Question

A _______ is a swelling that contains discrete aggregations of nerve cell bodies and processes.

1) ganglion
2) connective
3) tract
4) commissure
5) neuropil

Answer 1

In the context of the nervous system, a 'ganglion' is a structure in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) characterized by a localized collection of neuron cell bodies, whereas a similar collection in the central nervous system (CNS) is called a nucleus. Option number 1 is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

A ganglion is a swelling that contains discrete aggregations of nerve cell bodies and processes. In the context of nervous system anatomical structures, a ganglion is a localized collection of neuron cell bodies found in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In contrast, a similar structure in the central nervous system (CNS) is known as a nucleus. Additionally, bundles of axons are called tracts in the CNS and nerves in the PNS.

Ganglia serve as relay points and can be categorized as either sensory ganglia, like the dorsal root ganglia which contain sensory neuron cell bodies, or autonomic ganglia, which are associated with the autonomic functions of the nervous system.