Definition

Relating to the nerve fibers that connect to a ganglion, particularly in the autonomic nervous system.

Example

The preganglionic fibers are essential for transmitting signals from the central nervous system to the ganglia.

Conversation

I was reading about the nervous system, and I came across the term preganglionic fibers.

Oh really? What do they do exactly?

They are the fibers that connect to ganglia in the autonomic nervous system.

That sounds interesting! I didn't know they had such a specific role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Preganglionic → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "ganglion" (from Greek "ganglion", meaning a knot or swelling, specifically referring to a cluster of nerve cell bodies). The term "preganglionic" refers to the fibers that originate from the central nervous system before they synapse in a ganglion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pre-' meaning 'before' and 'ganglion' referring to a 'knot' of nerve cells — so 'preganglionic' describes the nerve fibers that come before they reach the knot of nerve cells.

Visually Confused Words