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Ganglion

Etymology:

Gr. ganglíon: “encysted tumor on a tendon or aponeurosis”


The exact origin of the Greek word remains obscure, but it was used to describe a "tumor on a tendon" or a "tumor under the skin". Galen used it in reference to a "nerve bundle", but also used it to reference "anything gathered into a ball." This original meaning reflects the association of the term with both nerve tissues and physical lumps or swellings (e.g. ganglion cyst).

Definition:

1) A small cystic tumor (despite the implications of the term, these are not cancerous) connected either with a joint membrane or tendon sheath.


2) A mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons located external to the brain or spinal cord (e.g., the dorsal root ganglion that houses sensory neuron cell bodies).


Medical History: The term "ganglion" has been used since the late 16th century to describe both nerve tissue masses and cystic tumors. Over time, anatomists and medical researchers have expanded its definition to include neural structures with cell bodies of neurons external to the central nervous system. This broader definition encompasses various nerve clusters found throughout the body, such as the basal ganglia in the brain and ganglia surrounding spinal nerves.

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