Trigeminal ganglion

Trigeminal Ganglion

The Trigeminal Ganglion (pronunciation: tri-jem-i-nal gang-lee-on), also known as the Gasserian Ganglion or Semilunar Ganglion, is a group of nerve cell bodies that is part of the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve). The term "trigeminal" comes from the Latin words "tri" meaning three and "geminus" meaning twin, referring to the three branches of the nerve. The term "ganglion" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion" meaning a swelling or knot, referring to the mass of nerve cell bodies.

Structure

The Trigeminal Ganglion is located in a cavity of the temporal bone called the Meckel's cave. It gives rise to three large sensory branches: the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve. These nerves carry sensory information from the face and the mouth to the brain.

Function

The Trigeminal Ganglion plays a crucial role in transmitting sensory information from the face and mouth to the brain. It is involved in sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature. It also has a motor function, controlling the muscles involved in chewing.

Clinical Significance

Diseases affecting the Trigeminal Ganglion can cause severe pain conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, a disorder characterized by intense facial pain. Other conditions include herpes zoster, which can cause shingles in the area of the face innervated by the trigeminal nerve, and trigeminal trophic syndrome, a rare condition characterized by facial numbness and skin lesions.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Trigeminal ganglion
Wikipedia's article - Trigeminal ganglion

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Trigeminal ganglion