ganglion (redirected from craniospinal ganglia)

Ganglion 

Definition

A ganglion is a small, usually hard bump above a tendon or in the capsule that encloses a joint. A ganglion is also called a synovial hernia or synovial cyst.

Description

A ganglion is a non-cancerous cyst filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. Ganglions can develop on or beneath the surface of the skin and usually occur between the ages of 20 and 40.

Most ganglions develop on the hand or wrist. This condition is common in people who bowl or who play handball, raquetball, squash, or tennis. Runners and athletes who jump, ski, or play contact sports often develop foot ganglions.

Causes and symptoms

Mild sprains or other repeated injuries can irritate and tear the thin membrane covering a tendon, causing fluid to leak into a sac that swells and forms a ganglion.

Ganglions are usually painless, but range of motion may be impaired. Flexing or bending the affected area can cause discomfort, as can continuing to perform the activity that caused the condition.

Cysts on the surface of the skin usually develop slowly but may result from injury or severe strain. An internal ganglion can cause soreness or a dull, aching sensation, but the mass cannot always be felt. Symptoms sometimes become evident only when the cyst causes pressure on a nerve or outgrows the membrane surrounding it.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination as well as such imaging studies as x ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Fluid may be withdrawn from the cyst and evaluated.

Treatment

Some ganglions disappear without treatment, and some reappear despite treatment.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other over-the-counter analgesics can be used to control mild pain. Steroids or local anesthetics may be injected into cysts that cause severe pain or other troublesome

A ganglion is a non-cancerous cyst filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid. Ganglions can develop on or beneath the surface of the skin, most likely on the hand or wrist, although runners and skiers often develop them on the foot.

(Illustration by Electronic Illustrators Group.)

symptoms. Surgery performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient facility, is the only treatment guaranteed to remove a ganglion. The condition can recur if the entire cyst is not removed.

A doctor should be notified if the surgical site drains, bleeds, or becomes

• inflamed
• painful
• swollen or if the patient feels ill or develops:
• head or muscle aches
• dizziness
• fever following surgery

The patient may bathe or shower as usual, but should keep the surgical site dry and covered with a bandage for two or three days after the operation. Patients may resume normal activities as soon as they feel comfortable doing so.

Prognosis

Possible complications include excessive post-operative bleeding and infection of the surgical site. Calcification, or hardening, of the ganglion is rare.

Prevention

Exercises that increase muscle strength and flexibility can prevent ganglions. Warming and cooling down before and after workouts may also decrease the rate of developing ganglions.

Resources

Other

"Foot Ganglion." ThriveOnline. May 25, 1998. http://thriveonline.oxygen.com.

"Hand or Wrist Ganglion." ThriveOnline. May 25, 1998. http://thriveonline.oxygen.com.

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ganglion /gan·gli·on/ (gang´gle-on) pl. gan´glia, ganglions   [Gr.]

1. a knot, or knotlike mass; in anatomy, a group of nerve cell bodies, located outside the central nervous system; occasionally applied to certain nuclear groups within the brain or spinal cord, e.g., basal ganglia.

2. a form of benign cystic tumor on an aponeurosis or a tendon.gan´glialganglion´ic

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aberrant ganglion  a small ganglion sometimes found on a dorsal cervical nerve root between the spinal ganglia and the spinal cord.

Acrel's ganglion  a cystic tumor on an extensor tendon of the wrist.

Andersch's ganglion  inferior g. (1).

autonomic ganglia  aggregations of cell bodies of neurons of the autonomic nervous system, divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia.

basal ganglia  see under nucleus.

Bidder's ganglia  ganglia on the cardiac nerves, situated at the lower end of the atrial septum.

Bochdalek's ganglion  superior dental plexus.

cardiac ganglia  ganglia of the cardiac plexus near the arterial ligament.

carotid ganglion  an occasional small enlargement in the internal carotid plexus.

celiac ganglia  two irregularly shaped ganglia, one on each crus of the diaphragm within the celiac plexus.

cerebrospinal ganglia  those associated with the cranial and spinal nerves.

cervical ganglion 

1. any of the three ganglia (inferior, middle, and superior) of the sympathetic trunk in the neck region.

2. one near the cervix uteri.

cervicothoracic ganglion  one formed by fusion of the inferior cervical and the first thoracic ganglia.

cervicouterine ganglion  cervical g. (2).

ciliary ganglion  a parasympathetic ganglion in the posterior part of the orbit.

Cloquet's ganglion  a swelling of the nasopalatine nerve in the anterior palatine canal.

cochlear ganglion  spiral g.

Corti's ganglion  spiral g.

dorsal root ganglion  spinal g.

Ehrenritter's ganglion  superior g. (1).

false ganglion  an enlargement on a nerve that does not have a true ganglionic structure.

gasserian ganglion  trigeminal g.

geniculate ganglion  the sensory ganglion of the facial nerve, on the geniculum of the facial nerve.

ganglion im´par  the ganglion commonly found in front of the coccyx, where the sympathetic trunks of the two sides unite.

inferior ganglion 

1. the lower of two ganglia on the glossopharyngeal nerve as it passes through the jugular foramen.

2. a ganglion of the vagus nerve, just below the jugular foramen.

jugular ganglion  superior g.

Lee's ganglion  cervical g. (2).

Ludwig's ganglion  one near the right atrium of the heart, connected with the cardiac plexus.

lumbar ganglia  the ganglia on the lumbar part of the sympathetic trunk, usually four or five on either side.

Meckel's ganglion  pterygopalatine g.

Meissner's ganglion  one of the small groups of nerve cells in Meissner's plexus.

mesenteric ganglion, inferior  a sympathetic ganglion near the origin of the inferior mesenteric artery.

mesenteric ganglion, superior  one or more sympathetic ganglia at the sides of, or just below, the superior mesenteric artery.

otic ganglion  a parasympathetic ganglion immediately below the foramen ovale; its postganglionic fibers supply the parotid gland.

parasympathetic ganglion  one of the aggregations of cell bodies of cholinergic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system; they are located near to or within the wall of the organs being innervated.

phrenic ganglion  a sympathetic ganglion often found within the phrenic plexus at its junction with the cardiac plexus.

pterygopalatine ganglion  a parasympathetic ganglion in the pterygopalatine fossa; its preganglionic fibers are derived from the facial nerve via the greater petrosal nerve and the nerve of the pterygopalatine canal and its postganglionic fibers supply the lacrimal, nasal, and palatine glands.

Remak's ganglion 

1. a sympathetic ganglion on the heart wall near the superior vena cava.

2. one of the sympathetic ganglia in the diaphragmatic opening for the inferior vena cava.

3. one of the ganglia in the gastric plexus.

Ribes' ganglion  a small ganglion sometimes seen in the termination of the internal carotid plexus around the anterior communicating artery of the brain.

sacral ganglia  those of the sacral part of the sympathetic trunk, usually three or four on either side.

Scarpa's ganglion  vestibular g.

semilunar ganglion 

1. trigeminal g.

2. (in the pl.) celiac ganglia.

sensory ganglion 

1. spinal g.

2. (in the pl.) the ganglia on the roots of the cranial nerves, containing the cell bodies of sensory neurons.

3. both of these considered together.

simple ganglion  a cystic tumor in a tendon sheath.

sphenomaxillary ganglion , sphenopalatine ganglion pterygopalatine g.

spinal ganglion  one on the posterior root of each spinal nerve, composed of unipolar nerve cell bodies of the sensory neurons of the nerve.

Ganglion sensorium nervi spinalis (spinal ganglion), seen in a cross-section of the spinal cord.

spiral ganglion  the ganglion on the cochlear nerve, located within the modiolus, sending fibers peripherally to the organ of Corti and centrally to the cochlear nuclei of the brain stem.

splanchnic ganglion  one on the greater splanchnic nerve near the twelfth thoracic vertebra.

submandibular ganglion  a parasympathetic ganglion located superior to the deep part of the submandibular gland, on the lateral surface of the hyoglossal muscle.

superior ganglion 

1. the upper of two ganglia on the glossopharyngeal nerve as it passes through the jugular foramen.

2. a small ganglion on the vagus nerve just as it passes through the jugular foramen.

sympathetic ganglion  any of the aggregations of cell bodies of adrenergic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system; they are arranged in chainlike fashion on either side of the spinal cord.

trigeminal ganglion  one on the sensory root of the fifth cranial nerve in a cleft in the dura mater on the anterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone, giving off the ophthalmic and maxillary nerves and part of the mandibular nerve.

tympanic ganglion  an enlargement on the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

vagal ganglion 

1. inferior g. (2).

2. superior g. (2).

ventricular ganglion  Bidder's ganglia.

vestibular ganglion  the sensory ganglion of the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve, located in the upper part of the lateral end of the internal acoustic meatus.

Wrisberg's ganglia  cardiac ganglia.

wrist ganglion  cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the wrist.

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gan·gli·on (gnggl-n)

n. pl. gan·gli·ons or gan·gli·a (-gl-)

1. A group of nerve cells forming a nerve center, especially one located outside the brain or spinal cord. Also called neuroganglion.

2. A benign tumorlike cyst containing mucopolysaccharide-rich fluid enclosed within fibrous tissue and usually attached to a tendon sheath in the hand, wrist, or foot. Also called myxoid cyst, synovial cyst.

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gangli·al adj.

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ganglion

[gang′glē·on] pl. ganglia

Etymology: Gk, knot

1 a knot or knotlike mass of nervous tissue.

2 one of the nerve cell bodies, chiefly collected in groups outside the central nervous system. Very small groups abound in association with alimentary organs. The two types of ganglia in the body are the sensory ganglia on the dorsal roots of spinal nerves and on the sensory roots of the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves and the autonomic ganglia of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

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ganglion [gang´gle-on] (pl. gan´glia, ganglions) (Gr.)

1. a knot or knotlike mass; in anatomic nomenclature, a group of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system. The term is occasionally applied to certain nuclear groups within the brain or spinal cord, such as the basal ganglia.

2. a form of cystic tumor occurring on an aponeurosis or tendon, as in the wrist. adj., adj gan´glial, ganglion´ic.

Ganglion. From Frazier et al., 2000.

autonomic ganglia aggregations of cell bodies of neurons of the autonomic nervous system; the parasympathetic and the sympathetic ganglia combined.

basal ganglia basal nuclei.

cardiac ganglia ganglia of the superficial cardiac plexus under the arch of the aorta.

carotid ganglion an occasional small enlargement in the internal carotid plexus.

celiac ganglia two irregularly shaped ganglia, one on each crus of the diaphragm within the celiac plexus.

cerebrospinal ganglia those associated with the cranial and spinal nerves.

cervical ganglion

1. any of the three ganglia (inferior, middle, and superior) of the sympathetic trunk in the neck region.

2. one near the cervix uteri.

cervicothoracic ganglion a ganglion on the sympathetic trunk anterior to the lowest cervical or first thoracic vertebra. It is formed by a union of the seventh and eighth cervical and first thoracic ganglia. Called also stellate ganglion.

cervicouterine ganglion one near the cervix uteri.

ciliary ganglion a parasympathetic ganglion in the posterior part of the orbit.

cochlear ganglion the sensory ganglion located within the spiral canal of the modiolus. It consists of bipolar cells that send fibers peripherally to the organ of Corti and centrally to the cochlear nuclei of the brainstem. Called also spiral ganglion and Corti's ganglion.

Corti's ganglion cochlear ganglion.

craniospinal ganglia collections of sensory neurons that form nodular enlargements on the dorsal roots of the spinal nerves and on the sensory roots of cranial nerves.

dorsal root ganglion spinal ganglion.

false ganglion an enlargement of a nerve that does not have a true ganglionic structure.

Frankenhäuser's ganglion cervical ganglion (def. 2).

gasserian ganglion trigeminal ganglion.

geniculate ganglion the sensory ganglion of the facial nerve, on the geniculum of the facial nerve.

ganglion im´par a ganglion commonly found on the front of the coccyx, where the sympathetic trunks of the two sides unite.

inferior ganglion

1. the lower of two ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve as it passes through the jugular foramen.

2. the lower of two ganglia of the vagus nerve as it passes through the jugular foramen.

jugular ganglion superior ganglion (defs. 1 and 2).

Ludwig's ganglion a ganglion near the right atrium of the heart, connected with the cardiac plexus.

lumbar ganglia the ganglia on the sympathetic trunk, usually four or five on either side.

lymphatic ganglion lymph node.

otic ganglion a parasympathetic ganglion next to the medial surface of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, just inferior to the foramen ovale. Its postganglionic fibers supply the parotid gland.

parasympathetic ganglia aggregations of cell bodies of cholinergic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system; these ganglia are located near to or within the wall of the organs being innervated. See also Plates.

petrous ganglion inferior ganglion (def. 1).

pterygopalatine ganglion a parasympathetic ganglion in a fossa in the sphenoid bone, formed by postganglionic cell bodies that synapse with preganglionic fibers from the fascial nerve via the nerve of the pterygopalatine canal. Called also sphenopalatine ganglion.

sacral ganglia those of the sacral part of the sympathetic trunk, usually three or four on either side.

Scarpa's ganglion vestibular ganglion.

semilunar ganglion

1. trigeminal ganglion.

2. [pl.] celiac ganglia.

sensory ganglion any of the ganglia of the peripheral nervous system that transmit sensory impulses; also, the collective masses of nerve cell bodies in the brain subserving sensory functions.

simple ganglion a cystic tumor in a tendon sheath.

sphenopalatine ganglion pterygopalatine ganglion.

spinal ganglion the cerebrospinal ganglion on the dorsal root of each spinal nerve; called also dorsal root ganglion.

spiral ganglion cochlear ganglion.

stellate ganglion cervicothoracic ganglion.

submandibular ganglion a parasympathetic ganglion located superior to the deep part of the submandibular gland, on the lateral surface of the hyoglossal muscle; its postganglionic fibers supply the sublingual and submandibular glands.

superior ganglion

1. the upper of two ganglia on the glossopharyngeal nerve as it passes through the jugular foramen.

2. the upper of two ganglia of the vagus nerve just as it passes through the jugular foramen. Called also jugular ganglion.

sympathetic ganglia aggregations of cell bodies of adrenergic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system; these ganglia are arranged in chainlike fashion on either side of the spinal cord. See also Plates.

thoracic ganglia the ganglia on the thoracic portion of the sympathetic trunk, 11 or 12 on either side.

trigeminal ganglion a ganglion on the sensory root of the fifth cranial nerve, situated in a cleft within the dura mater on the anterior surface of the pars petrosa of the temporal bone, and giving off the ophthalmic and maxillary and part of the mandibular nerve. Called also gasserian or semilunar ganglion.

tympanic ganglion an enlargement on the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

vestibular ganglion the sensory ganglion of the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve, located in the upper part of the lateral end of the internal acoustic meatus. Called also Scarpa's ganglion.

Walther's ganglion glomus coccygeum.

Wrisberg's ganglia cardiac ganglia.

wrist ganglion cystic enlargement of a tendon sheath on the back of the wrist.

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ganglion(ia) (gang´glēon),

n/n.pl an accumulation of neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system.

ganglion, basal,

n a group of forebrain nuclei that, with the related structures of the brain, play an important role in the regulation of muscle tone and motor control. The cell groups of these ganglia and their respective nerve tracts are classified as the
extrapyramidal motor system to differentiate them from the
pyramidal motor system, which goes directly from the cerebral cortex to the lower motor neuron. Disease associated with the basal ganglia is manifested by three principal motor abnormalities: disturbance of muscle tone, derangement of movement, and loss of associated or automatic movement.

ganglion, ciliary,

n a parasympathetic nerve ganglion in the posterior part of the orbit. The ciliary ganglion receives preganglionic fibers from the region of the oculomotor nucleus and sends postganglionic fibers via short ciliary nerves to (1) the constrictor muscle of the iris (constriction of pupil) and (2) circular fibers of the ciliary muscle (accommodation for vision).

ganglion, otic,

n a ganglion located medial to the mandibular nerve just below the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa. It supplies the sensory and secretory fibers for the parotid gland. Its sensory fibers arise from the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves.

ganglion, sphenopalatine

n a ganglia located deep in the pterygopalatine fossa that is intimately associated with the maxillary nerve. It lies distal and medial to the maxillary tuberosity. Its fibers supply the oral mucosa of the oropharynx, tonsils, soft and hard palates, and nasal cavity. The mucous and serous secretions of all the oral mucosa of the oropharynx are also mediated by this ganglion.

ganglion, submandibular,

n a ganglion located on the medial side of the mandible between the lingual nerve and the submandibular duct. The submandibular ganglion is distributed to the sublingual and submandibular glands. The sensory fibers arise from the lingual branch of the trigeminal nerve; i.e., the chorda tympani of the facial nerve.

ganglion, trigeminal

n a cluster of nervous tissue located on the root of the fifth cranial (trigeminal) nerve.

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ganglion

pl. ganglia, ganglions [Gr.] a knot or knotlike mass; a general term to designate a group of nerve cell bodies, located outside the central nervous system. Occasionally applied to certain nuclear groups within the brain or spinal cord, e.g. basal ganglia.

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aorticorenal ganglion

small sympathetic ganglia supplying nerve fibers to the kidneys.

Arnold's ganglion

see otic ganglion (below).

autonomic ganglion

aggregations of cell bodies of neurons of the autonomic nervous system; the parasympathetic and the sympathetic ganglia combined.

basal ganglion

subcortical masses of gray matter embedded in each cerebral hemisphere, comprising the corpus striatum (caudate and lentiform nuclei), amygdaloid body and claustrum. Other structures have also been considered to be part of the basal ganglia. Called also basal nuclei.

cardiac ganglion

ganglia of the superficial cardiac plexus found close to the aortic arch.

celiac ganglion

two large sympathetic ganglia, found on either side of the celiac artery, supplying nerve fibers to the viscera supplied by that artery; sensory and parasympathetic fibers also pass through the ganglia.

cephalic ganglion

parasympathetic ganglia in the head, consisting of the ciliary, otic, pterygopalatine and submandibular ganglia.

cerebrospinal ganglion

those associated with the cranial and spinal nerves.

cervical ganglion

1. any of the three ganglia (cranial, middle and caudal) of the sympathetic trunk found near the base of the skull and inside the thoracic inlet.

2. one near the cervix uteri.

cervicothoracic ganglion

a ganglion on the sympathetic trunk formed by a union of the caudal cervical and one or more thoracic ganglia. Called also stellate ganglion.

ciliary ganglion

a parasympathetic ganglion in the posterior part of the orbit supplied by the oculomotor nerve.

Corti's ganglion

spiral ganglion.

dorsal root ganglion

spinal ganglion.

false ganglion

an enlargement on a nerve that does not have a true ganglionic structure.

gasserian ganglion

trigeminal ganglion.

geniculate ganglion

the sensory ganglion of the facial nerve, on the geniculum of the facial nerve.

ganglion impar

the single ganglion commonly found where the sympathetic trunks of the two sides unite.

jugular ganglion

1. the proximal ganglion of the vagus nerve.

2. the proximal (superior) ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

lumbar ganglion

the ganglia on the lumbar part of the sympathetic trunk.

otic ganglion

a parasympathetic ganglion next to the medial surface of the mandibular nerve, just ventral to the foramen ovale. Its postganglionic fibers supply the parotid gland. Called also Arnold's ganglion.

parasympathetic ganglion

aggregations of cell bodies of cholinergic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous system; these ganglia are located near to or within the wall of the organs being innervated.

petrous ganglion

the distal ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

pterygopalatine ganglion

a parasympathetic ganglion in a fossa in the sphenoid bone, formed by postganglionic cell bodies that synapse with preganglionic fibers from the facial nerve via the nerve of the pterygopalatine canal. Called also sphenopalatine ganglion.

sacral ganglion

those of the sacral part of the sympathetic trunk.

semilunar ganglion

trigeminal ganglion.

sensory ganglion

any of the ganglia of the peripheral nervous system that transmit sensory impulses; also, the collective masses of nerve cell bodies in the brain subserving sensory functions.

simple ganglion

a cystic tumor in a tendon sheath.

sphenopalatine ganglion

pterygopalatine ganglion.

spinal ganglion

ganglia on the dorsal root of each spinal nerve.

spiral ganglion

the ganglion on the cochlear nerve, located within the modiolus, sending fibers peripherally to the organ of Corti and centrally to the cochlear nuclei of the brainstem. Called also Corti's ganglion.

stellate ganglion

cervicothoracic ganglion.

sympathetic ganglion

aggregations of cell bodies of adrenergic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system; these ganglia are arranged in chainlike fashion on either side of the spinal cord.

thoracic ganglion

the ganglia on the thoracic portion of the sympathetic trunk.

trigeminal ganglion

a ganglion on the sensory root of the fifth cranial nerve. Called also gasserian ganglion and semilunar ganglion.

tympanic ganglion

an enlargement on the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

vestibular ganglion

the sensory ganglion of the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve, located in the dorsal part of the lateral end of the internal acoustic meatus.

Walther's ganglion

ganglion impar.

Wrisberg's ganglion

cardiac ganglia.

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ganglion

An aggregation of nerve cell bodies found in numerous locations in the peripheral nervous system. Plural: ganglia.
ganglion cell See ganglion cell.
ciliary ganglion A small reddish-grey body about the size of a pinhead situated at the posterior part of the orbit about 1 cm from the optic foramen between the optic nerve and the lateral rectus muscle. It receives posteriorly three roots: (1) the long, nasociliary or sensory root (or ramus communicans), which contains sensory fibres from the cornea, iris and ciliary body and some sympathetic postganglionic axons going to the dilator muscle; (2) the short (or motor root or oculomotor root) which comes from the Edinger-Westphal nucleus through the third nerve (oculomotor). It carries fibres supplying the sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscles; (3) the sympathetic root, which comes from the cavernous and the internal carotid plexuses. It carries fibres mediating constriction of the blood vessels of the eye and possibly mediating dilatation of the pupil. The ciliary ganglion gives rise to 6-10 short ciliary nerves. Syn. lenticular ganglion; ophthalmic ganglion. See pupil light reflex.
gasserian ganglion Sensory ganglion of the fifth nerve located in a bony fossa on the front of the apex of the petrous temporal bone. It receives the sensory portion of the fifth nerve (trigeminal) in the posterior part of the ganglion. From its anterior part the three divisions of the fifth nerve are given off: the ophthalmic (which contains the sensory fibres from the cornea and the eye in general), the maxillary and the mandibular nerves. Syn. semilunar ganglion; trigeminal ganglion. See herpes zoster ophthalmicus.
lenticular ganglion; ophthalmic ganglion See ciliary ganglion.
semilunar g . See gasserian ganglion.
superior cervical ganglion One of the uppermost and largest ganglion in the two chains of sympathetic ganglia lying alongside the vertebral column. It is located just below the base of the skull between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein. It gives rise to the internal carotid nerve, which forms the internal carotid plexus.
trigeminal ganglion See gasserian ganglion.