What is the Difference Between Ganglion and Plexus

The main difference between ganglion and a plexus is that a ganglion is a collection of nerve cells, whereas a plexus is a complex interconnection of ganglia. 

Ganglion and plexus are two structures that occur in the peripheral nervous system. Their function is to transmit nerve impulses. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ganglion
– Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Plexus
– Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities Between Ganglion and Plexus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ganglion and Plexus
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Ganglion, Plexus

What is Ganglion

A ganglion is a cluster of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). They occur in animals higher animals above cnidarians. The cell bodies of motor neurons occur in the spinal cord. Only the cell bodies of sensory neurons occur in the outside of the spinal cord. Therefore, cell bodies of the sensory neurons form ganglia. Three types of ganglia occur in vertebrates: dorsal root ganglia, cranial nerve ganglia, and autonomic ganglia. The dorsal root ganglia consists of the cell bodies of afferent nerve fibers. The afferent nerve fibers carry sensory nerve impulses towards the central nervous system (CNS). The dorsal root ganglia are also called the posterior root ganglia or spinal ganglia.

Figure 1: Ganglia

The cell bodies of sensory cranial nerves are arranged in the cranial nerve ganglia. The cell bodies of sensory nerves of the autonomic nervous system are arranged into the autonomic ganglia. The autonomic ganglia consists of cell bodies of sensory nerves in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

What is Plexus

Plexus is a bundle of intersecting nerves. Nerves in the same anatomical area form the plexus. Therefore, the plexus serves a specific area of the body. Importantly, it sends nerve impulses from the brain to the muscles, allowing the movement of the body. Also, plexus-forming nerve bundles occur throughout the body. The spinal and autonomic plexus are the two types of nerve plexus in the body. Plexuses are named according to their location and function. The cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses are the five types of plexuses that originate from the spinal cord.

Figure 2: Plexus

Moreover, the five autonomic plexuses are the celiac, Auerbach’s, pharyngeal, cardiac, and Meissner’s plexuses. 

Similarities Between Ganglion and Plexus

• Ganglion and plexus are two structures that occur in the nervous system.
• They transmit nerve impulses.
• They are a part of the peripheral nervous system. 

Difference Between Ganglion and Plexus

Definition

Ganglion refers to a collection of neuronal bodies found in the voluntary and autonomic branches of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In contrast, plexus refers to a network of anastomosing or interlacing blood vessels or nerves.

Significance

A ganglion is a collection of nerve cells, while a plexus is a complex interconnection of ganglia. 

Structure

A ganglion contains a dense connective tissue capsule and a single layer of flat satellite cells surrounding each neuronal body, while the plexus is a bundle of intersecting nerves. 

Function

Ganglia transmit nerve impulses from and to the central nervous system, while the plexus connects different levels of nerves, creating multiple functioning nerves.

Types

The types of ganglia are dorsal root ganglia, cranial nerve ganglia, and autonomic ganglia, while the two types of plexuses are spinal plexus and autonomic plexus.  

Conclusion

In brief, ganglion and plexus are two anatomical structures in the nervous system. They transmit nerve impulses to and from the central nervous system. Also, they occur in the peripheral nervous system. A ganglion is a collection of nerves covered by a dense connective tissue capsule and a single layer of flat satellite cells. It transmits nerve impulses to and from the central nervous system. In comparison, plexus is a complex interconnection of ganglia. It contains a bundle of intersecting nerves. Also, it connects different levels of nerves, forming a multiple-functioning nerve system. Therefore, the main difference between ganglion and plexus is their structure and function.

References:

1. Singh O, Al Khalili Y. Anatomy, Back, Lumbar Plexus. [Updated 2023 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.
2. Brett Sears, P. (2023, February 28). Nerve plexus: Function, structure, and location. Verywell Health. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Blausen 0838 Sympathetic Innervation” By BruceBlaus. – Own work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Lumbar plexus” By Gray822.png: – Own Work (CC-BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia