Celiac ganglia

Celiac ganglia or coeliac ganglia are two large irregularly shaped masses of nerve tissue in the upper abdomen. Part of the sympathetic nervous system, they are the largest ganglia in the human body and they innervate most of the digestive tract.

Etymology

The term "celiac" comes from the Greek word "koiliakos", meaning "abdominal". The term "ganglia" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "knot", referring to the knot-like appearance of these nerve cell clusters.

Anatomy

The celiac ganglia are located near where the celiac artery branches off from the aorta. They are positioned behind the stomach and in front of the crura of the diaphragm, on either side of the midline. Each ganglion is connected to the others and to the sympathetic trunk by numerous nerve fibers.

Function

The celiac ganglia contain nerve cell bodies (neurons) that provide sympathetic innervation to various abdominal organs including the stomach, liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. This innervation controls functions such as the regulation of blood flow and the process of digestion.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities or damage to the celiac ganglia can result in a variety of disorders. For example, a celiac ganglion block is a procedure that can be used to manage abdominal pain, particularly in conditions such as pancreatitis or cancer.

Related terms

• Celiac plexus: A network of nerves that is often considered together with the celiac ganglia.
• Celiac artery: The major artery that supplies blood to the upper abdominal organs. It is closely associated with the celiac ganglia.
• Sympathetic nervous system: The part of the nervous system that contains the celiac ganglia.

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