Question

What are ganglia in the nervous system?

Answer 1

Ganglia are oval shaped structures which contain cell bodies of neuron, glial cells and connective tissue.

Explanation:

Ganglia are part of peripheral nervous system. They work as relay station for nerve signals. One nerve enters and another nerve exits from each ganglion (singular: ganglion plural: ganglia).

There are 2 types of ganglia : Sensory & Autonomic.
Sensory ganglia receive signal from periphery and send them to brain.
In case of Autonomic ganglia the nerve signal travel in opposite direction.

The picture of a sensory ganglia : Dorsal Root Ganglion

Diagram of autonomic nervous system. See the autonomic ganglia : prevertebral and paravertebral.