What is a "ganglion"?

In the nervous system, a ganglion is a cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the brain and spinal cord. Ganglia are found throughout the peripheral nervous system and serve as relay points for transmitting signals between different parts of the body. There are two main types of ganglia: sensory and autonomic. Sensory ganglia contain cell bodies of sensory neurons that transmit information about touch, temperature, pain, and other sensations from the body to the central nervous system. Autonomic ganglia contain cell bodies of autonomic neurons that control involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. Dysfunction of the ganglia can result in a range of neurological disorders, including chronic pain syndromes, gastrointestinal disorders, and autonomic dysfunction.