Ganglion
in human anatomy, (1) a small mass of vascular neurine, situated in the course of a nerve, and distinct both from the brain and from the spinal cord. The sympathetic system of nerves consists of a series of ganglia, extending on each side of the vertebral column, from the head to the coccyx, connecting with all the other nerves of the body. Each ganglion is a distinct center, giving off branches in four directions, superior, inferior, external, and internal. They are divided into cranial ganglia, cervical, thoracic, etc., (2) a lymphatic gland. In comparative anatomy, a center of the nervous system, containing nerve cells, and receiving and giving out impressions. In surgery, a globular indolent tumor, situated on the course of a tendon. It is produced by the elevation of a sheath of the tendon and the infusion into it of a viscid fluid.
In botany, the mycelium of certain fungals.