Dorsal root ganglia

"== Dorsal Root Ganglia ==

The Dorsal Root Ganglia (pronounced: DOR-sal root GANG-lee-uh), also known as Spinal Ganglia, are clusters of neuron cell bodies found in the peripheral nervous system. They are located on either side of the spinal cord, and are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the peripheral nervous system to the spinal cord.

Etymology

The term ""Dorsal Root Ganglia"" is derived from the Latin words 'dorsum' meaning 'back', 'radix' meaning 'root', and 'ganglion' meaning 'knot'. This refers to their location on the back (dorsal) side of the spinal cord and their knotted appearance.

Function

The primary function of the Dorsal Root Ganglia is to transmit sensory information from the body to the spinal cord. This includes information about touch, temperature, pain, and body position. The neurons in the Dorsal Root Ganglia have a unique structure, with a single axon that splits into two branches. One branch extends out to the body to receive sensory information, while the other branch extends into the spinal cord to transmit this information.

Related Terms

Neuron: A nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
Peripheral Nervous System: The part of the nervous system that consists of the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Spinal Cord: The main pathway for information connecting the brain and peripheral nervous system.
Axon: A long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron, that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.