Spinal ganglia

Spinal ganglia (also known as dorsal root ganglia) are clusters of neurons (nerve cells) located along the spinal cord. They are part of the peripheral nervous system and are involved in transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system.

Structure

Spinal ganglia are located in the intervertebral foramina, openings between the vertebrae of the spine. Each ganglion contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons. These neurons have two axons (branches): one that carries information from the sensory receptors to the ganglion, and another that carries information from the ganglion to the spinal cord.

Function

The primary function of the spinal ganglia is to transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system. This includes information about touch, temperature, pain, and body position (proprioception). The sensory neurons in the ganglia are responsible for transmitting this information.

Clinical significance

Damage or disease affecting the spinal ganglia can lead to a variety of neurological disorders. For example, shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which lies dormant in the spinal ganglia and can reactivate later in life. Other conditions, such as neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia, can also result from damage to the spinal ganglia.

See also

• Nervous system
• Neuron
• Spinal cord
• Peripheral nervous system
• Central nervous system

References

Spinal ganglia Resources
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