Paravertebral ganglion

Paravertebral Ganglion

The Paravertebral Ganglion is a component of the sympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the autonomic nervous system. It is a cluster of nerve cells (or neurons) that are located on either side of the vertebral column and are connected to the spinal cord through the spinal nerves.

Structure

The paravertebral ganglia are arranged in a chain-like manner, forming the sympathetic chain or sympathetic trunk. Each ganglion is connected to the one above and below it, forming a continuous chain from the base of the skull to the coccyx. The ganglia are located near the vertebral bodies and are connected to the spinal nerves through white and gray rami communicantes.

Function

The primary function of the paravertebral ganglia is to relay information from the central nervous system to various parts of the body. They play a crucial role in the body's fight or flight response, controlling functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and sweating. The neurons in these ganglia are responsible for transmitting signals from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or damage to the paravertebral ganglia can lead to various medical conditions. For instance, Horner's syndrome can occur due to damage to the paravertebral ganglion. This condition is characterized by drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil, and absence of sweating on one side of the face.

Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that often starts in the adrenal glands, can also involve the paravertebral ganglia. This is a common cancer in infants and has a variable prognosis.

See Also

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Horner's syndrome
• Neuroblastoma