zenuwknoop

A zenuwknoop, also known as a ganglion, is a cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside of the central nervous system. These nerve cell bodies, or neurons, are responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. Zenuwknopen play a crucial role in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of all the nerves that extend from the brain and spinal cord.

There are different types of zenuwknopen. Sympathetic ganglia are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body's "fight or flight" response. Parasympathetic ganglia are part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which manages "rest and digest" functions. Spinal ganglia, also called dorsal root ganglia, contain the cell bodies of sensory neurons that carry information from the body's periphery to the spinal cord.

The structure of a zenuwknoop typically involves a protective capsule surrounding the nerve cell bodies and associated glial cells. Glial cells provide support and protection to the neurons. Within the ganglion, synapses occur, which are the junctions where communication between neurons takes place.

Disruptions or damage to zenuwknopen can lead to various neurological conditions, affecting sensory perception, motor control, or autonomic functions. Medical conditions such as ganglion cysts, which are non-cancerous lumps that often form near joints and tendons, are also related to the term "ganglion." However, in neurobiology, zenuwknoop specifically refers to these collections of nerve cell bodies.