What are ganglia in the context of the nervous system?

In the context of the nervous system, ganglia serve as crucial relay stations for neural signals, specifically within the autonomic nervous system. They are clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system (CNS) and act as intermediaries that process and transmit information between the CNS and various targets throughout the body. This function is particularly important for managing involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate, allowing for efficient communication and coordination of physiological responses.

Ganglia are essential for the functioning of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, ensuring that the body's responses are well-regulated and appropriate to different situations.