View source for Parasympathetic ganglion

{{Infobox Anatomy |
  Name         = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Latin        = ganglion parasympathicum |
  GraySubject  = |
  GrayPage     = |
  Image        = Gray839.png |
  Caption      = Autonomic nervous system innervation, showing the sympathetic and parasympathetic (craniosacral) systems, in red and blue, respectively |
  Image2       = |
  Caption2     = |
  Precursor    = |
  System       = |
  Artery       = |
  Vein         = |
  Nerve        = |
  Lymph        = |
  MeshName     = |
  MeshNumber   = |
  DorlandsPre  = g_02 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12384744  |
}}
{{CMG}}




'''Parasympathetic ganglia''' are the [[autonomic ganglia]] of the [[parasympathetic nervous system]]. Most are small '''terminal ganglia''' or '''intramural ganglia''', so named because they lie near or within (respectively) the organs they innervate. The exceptions are the four paired '''parasympathetic ganglia of the head and neck'''.

==Parasympathetic ganglia of the head and neck==
These paired ganglia supply all parasympathetic innervation to the head and neck. 

*[[ciliary ganglion]] ([[spincter pupillae]], [[ciliary muscle]])
*[[pterygopalatine ganglion]] ([[lacrimal gland]], glands of [[nasal cavity]])
*[[submandibular ganglion]] ([[submandibular gland|submandibular]] and [[sublingual gland|sublingual]] glands)
*[[otic ganglion]] ([[parotid gland]])

==Roots==
Each has three roots entering the ganglion and a variable number of exiting branches. 
* The '''motor root''' carries [[presynaptic]] parasympathetic nerve fibers ([[GVE]]) that terminate in the ganglion by synapsing the [[postsynaptic]] fibers traveling to target organs. 
* The '''sympathetic root''' carries postsynaptic sympathetic fibers ([[GVE]]) that traverse the ganglion without synapsing. 
* The '''sensory root''' carries general sensory fibers ([[General somatic afferent fibers|GSA]]) that also do not synapse in the ganglion. 

Some ganglia also carry special sensory fibers ([[Special visceral afferent|SVA]]) for [[taste]] sensation. 

==Nerves supplying parasympathetic fibers==
* [[oculomotor nerve]] ([[ciliary ganglion]])
* [[facial nerve]] ([[pterygopalatine ganglion]], [[submandibular ganglion]])
* [[glossopharyngeal nerve]] ([[otic ganglion]])
* [[vagus nerve]] (no named ganglion)
* [[Pelvic splanchnic nerves]] (no named ganglion)

==External links==
* {{BUHistology|04601loa}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Parasympathetic+ganglia}}
* {{UMichAnatomyModule|head_autonomics_module/autonomics_04}}
* [http://microvet.arizona.edu/Courses/VSC401/autonomicNervous.html The Autonomic Nervous System] from the University of Arizona
* [http://137.222.110.150/calnet/AutoH&N/page5.htm Diagrams]
* [http://casweb.cas.ou.edu/pbell/Histology/Captions/Nerve/pl.colon.auerbachs.20.html "Terminal ganglion - Auerbach's plexus - plastic section"]

{{Autonomic}}

[[Category:Autonomic nervous system]]
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