abdominal ganglion

An abdominal ganglion is a cluster of nerve cell bodies (neurons) located within the abdominal segment of the trunk. Ganglia serve as relay stations for neural signals traveling between the central nervous system and peripheral target organs.

Abdominal ganglia are positioned within the abdominal segment of the trunk, typically associated with the sympathetic chain running alongside the vertebral column or as prevertebral ganglia (such as the celiac and mesenteric ganglia) near major arterial branches.

Abdominal ganglia relay autonomic (particularly sympathetic) signals to abdominal organs, modulating their secretion, motility, and vascular tone. They act as integration sites where information from multiple preganglionic neurons converges before being distributed to target tissues.

Celiac plexus block — targeting the celiac ganglia — is a common pain management procedure for abdominal cancers. Diabetic neuropathy can damage autonomic ganglia, contributing to gastroparesis and other digestive disorders.

An abdominal ganglion consists of neuron cell bodies, glial support cells, and associated nerve fibers (axons). In the context of the sympathetic chain, each ganglion connects to neighboring ganglia via internodal fibers and sends postganglionic fibers to target organs.