Superior mesenteric ganglion

Definition

The superior mesenteric ganglion is a collection of nerve cell bodies (neurons) located in the abdomen that provides sympathetic innervation to the midgut, including the small intestine and initial portions of the large intestine. It plays a crucial role in regulating intestinal blood flow, motility, and digestive processes by transmitting signals from the brain and spinal cord to the gastrointestinal tract.

Related terms

Autonomic Nervous System: A part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions of muscles and glands, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.

Sympathetic Nervous System: One of the two main divisions of the autonomic nervous system, often described as promoting a "fight or flight" response, mobilizing energy in times of stress or action.

Ganglion: A structure containing a number of nerve cell bodies, typically linked by synapses, and often forming a swelling on a nerve fiber where it joins another nerve