Thoracic ganglion

Thoracic ganglion is a term used in the field of anatomy and neurology to describe a specific type of ganglion found in the thoracic cavity. The thoracic ganglion is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response.

Anatomy

The thoracic ganglion is a collection of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system. These ganglia are found in a chain along the vertebral column, specifically in the thoracic region. Each thoracic ganglion is connected to a spinal nerve via a white and a gray ramus communicans, which carry signals to and from the spinal cord.

Function

The primary function of the thoracic ganglion is to relay signals from the brain to various parts of the body. This includes signals that control heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. The thoracic ganglion also plays a role in the body's response to stress, as it is part of the sympathetic nervous system.

Clinical significance

In some cases, the thoracic ganglion can be involved in medical conditions such as neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome. In these cases, a procedure known as a ganglion block may be performed to alleviate pain. This involves injecting medication into the ganglion to block the transmission of pain signals.

See also

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Ganglion
• Thoracic cavity
• Spinal nerve