Definition & Meaning of "autonomic ganglion"

What is an "autonomic ganglion"?

An autonomic ganglion, as a singular body part, is a cluster of nerve cell bodies that play a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system. It serves as a meeting point where the nerve fibers of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system interact. These ganglia are strategically located throughout the body, forming connections between the central nervous system and various organs or tissues. They serve as communication hubs, coordinating and modulating the signals that regulate involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and organ activity.