Celiac ganglia

Ganglia coeliaca

  • Related terms: Coeliac ganglia

Definition

Celiac ganglia are formed by the accumulation of cell bodies of post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons within the celiac prevertebral plexus. The celiac plexus, as you may know, constitutes that part of the prevertebral plexus which is situated around the roots of the celiac trunk and superior mesenteric artery. The celiac plexus, in turn, gives rise to various secondary plexuses which invest the branches of the celiac trunk.

There are two celiac ganglia located within the celiac plexus, one on either side and are interconnected through short commissural branches. They surround the celiac trunk at T12 to L1 spinal level and lie medial to the adrenal gland while in front of the crura of diaphragm. Further relations suggest that he right celiac ganglion is situated behind the inferior vena cava, while the left one is situated behind the origin of splenic artery. Inferiorly, the celiac ganglia are connected with the superior mesenteric and aorticorenal ganglia inside the celiac plexus.

The celiac ganglia serve as the sites of synapsis for the preganglionic sympathetic neurons which arise from lateral gray horns of spinal cord and reach out to the ganglia via the thoracic splanchnic nerves. From here onwards, the post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons course along the arterial branches of celiac trunk to spread out to various parts of the gastrointestinal system, including the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, upper small intestine, liver and pancreas. The sympathetic innervation contracts the sphincters, decrease intestinal motility and secretions, including reducing exocrine secretions from pancreas. In liver, the sympathetic innervation increases glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis.

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2022 IMAIOS.

  • Candal, R., Reddy, V. and Samra, N.S. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Celiac Ganglia. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538129/

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 4: Abdomen ’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 345.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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