How Do You Spell POSTGANGLIONIC?

1. Postganglionic refers to the region or nerve fibers located after or distal to the ganglion. It is a term commonly used in anatomy and physiology to describe the second component of the autonomic nervous system, known as the postganglionic fibers or nerves.

   During the transmission of signals in the autonomic nervous system, ganglia serve as relay stations where preganglionic fibers synapse with postganglionic fibers. The preganglionic fibers originate from cell bodies in the central nervous system and extend to the ganglia. Once the preganglionic fibers reach the ganglion, they synapse with the postganglionic fibers, which then carry the nerve impulses to their final destination.

   The postganglionic fibers can be found in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system. In the sympathetic division, the postganglionic fibers release neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, while in the parasympathetic division, they release neurotransmitters like acetylcholine.

   Postganglionic fibers play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, pupil dilation, and blood pressure. Their distribution extends throughout the body, allowing for precise control and coordination of autonomic responses.

   Understanding the concept of postganglionic is essential in comprehending the autonomic nervous system's intricate network and its impact on bodily functions, ultimately contributing to the overall maintenance of homeostasis.

2. Posterior to or following a ganglion; noting especially the efferent visceral fibers of a neurone of the second order whose axone lies in a sympathetic ganglion.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for POSTGANGLIONIC

The word "postganglionic" is formed by combining two root words: "post-" and "-ganglionic".

1. The prefix "post-" comes from the Latin word "post", meaning "behind" or "after". It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate something occurring or located after or behind a certain point.

2. The term "ganglionic" is derived from the word "ganglion", which originates from the Greek word "ganglion" meaning a "knot" or "swelling". In anatomy, a ganglion refers to a mass of nerve tissue containing nerve cell bodies and is involved in relaying signals between the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Therefore, "postganglionic" combines these two roots to describe something related to or located after or behind a ganglion.