In order to know the meaning of the term ganglia, we are going to proceed to discover, first of all, its etymological origin. In this case, we can emphasize that it is a word that derives from Latin, specifically from “ganglion” or “ganglium”. This, in turn, emanates from the Greek “ganglion”, which can be translated as “lump” or “ganglion”.
This is the name given to the organs found in the lymphatic vessels , whose function is to filter the lymph and promote the maturation process of the lymphocytes. In this case, we speak of lymph nodes . Ganglia can also be clusters of neurons found in nerves: these structures are called nervous ganglia .
At a general level, therefore, it can be said that ganglia are cellular formations that function as small organs .
The lymph nodes , oval in shape, gather as clusters or chains in the lymphatic vessels. They are located in different parts of the body, especially in the neck, groin, armpits and abdomen. They can measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
The nervous ganglia , for their part, are groupings of neurons that are located outside the central nervous system . These ganglia act as a link between different neurological structures. According to their characteristics, the nervous ganglia are divided into sensory or spinal ganglia and vegetative ganglia .
In the field of medicine , the concept of ganglion is used to refer to a small cyst that can appear in the aponeurosis (the membrane that surrounds the muscles) or in the tendons.
These nodes have a substance similar to synovial fluid (the fluid of the joints ) inside, which is why they are also known as synovial cysts . These are benign tumors that arise from an unknown cause.
In the same way, we cannot ignore the existence in the field of medicine of what is known as the sentinel lymph node. It should be noted that this is the first lymphatic type that tumor cells encounter when they try to spread.
Hence, when it is suspected that there may have been spread of the tumor towards the lymphatic system, a biopsy of the aforementioned sentinel lymph node is performed. Specifically, this process is usually used in cases of melanoma and breast cancer.
Likewise, we must not forget the existence of the so-called stellate ganglion. This, which also responds to the name of the cervicothoracic ganglion, is the result of the fusion between the first thoracic sympathetic ganglion and the lower cervical ganglion. It is established that around 80% of the world's population has it.
There is also the Gasser ganglion, which is located in the area of the temporal bone, specifically, in the so-called Gasser fossa. Three branches of the trigeminal nerve emanate from it, which is a mixed type temporal nerve.