postganglionic
- adjective
- /ˌpoʊstˌɡæŋɡliˈɒnɪk/
- Specialized
- The postganglionic neuron carries signals from the autonomic ganglia to the target tissues.
- postganglionic nerve
Examples
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In the pathway, the postganglionic nerve fibers innervate the smooth muscle of the digestive tract.
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A physician studied the difference between preganglionic and postganglionic axons.
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Damage to postganglionic neurons can affect the function of internal organs.
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The postganglionic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system are typically unmyelinated.
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The postganglionic fibers are crucial for transmitting signals.
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In the autonomic nervous system, postganglionic neurons play a vital role.
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Research shows that postganglionic fibers play a crucial role in transmitting information in the nervous system.
Surface Forms
Morphology
postganglionic = ganglionic (transparent) = post + ganglion + ic
Formed by the productive prefix 'post-' (after) attached to the adjective 'ganglionic', giving the clear meaning 'after a ganglion'.
Etymology
Postganglionic breaks into post- meaning 'after', like in postcard or postpone, and ganglion meaning 'a small group of nerve cells'. So postganglionic describes a nerve or fiber that is 'after' a ganglion, meaning it lies beyond that little nerve cluster.