Sympathetic ganglia

Sympathetic ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies located along the spinal cord that are part of the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls involuntary functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion, especially during stress or emergency situations. The ganglia serve as relay points, transmitting signals from the spinal cord to various organs and tissues, helping the body respond quickly to changes or threats. They are essential for activating the “fight or flight” response, ensuring the body can react appropriately to different stressors.