What does postganglionic mean?
Postganglionic describes neurons or nerve fibres located after an autonomic ganglion in the peripheral nervous system. In the sympathetic division, these fibres generally release noradrenaline at their target organs; in the parasympathetic division, they generally release acetylcholine. The term is especially important in pharmacology because many medicines act on postganglionic receptors, such as adrenergic or muscarinic receptors. Its opposite is preganglionic, referring to the pathway before a nerve signal reaches an autonomic ganglion. Although usually written as one word in modern medical literature, “post-ganglionic” is also encountered. The word combines the Latin prefix post-, meaning “after,” with ganglion, a cluster of nerve-cell bodies, and the adjective suffix -ic.
adjectiveDenoting the part of the autonomic nervous system that lies distal to an autonomic ganglion, including postganglionic neurons and their axons. Postganglionic fibres carry signals from ganglia to smooth muscle, glands, and cardiac muscle.
- Relating to or situated beyond an autonomic ganglion in the autonomic nervous system.
"Postganglionic sympathetic fibres release noradrenaline at their target organs."
"The drug blocks postganglionic adrenergic receptors in the cardiovascular system."
"In the parasympathetic division, postganglionic neurons generally release acetylcholine at their targets."
Postganglionic fibres are the nervous system’s final messengers, delivering commands directly to glands, smooth muscle, and cardiac muscle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of postganglionic
The word is formed from the Latin post- meaning “after,” the Greek-derived term ganglion, and the suffix -ic. The anatomical use developed from the established distinction between the portions of the autonomic nervous system before and after a ganglion. Its cognates and related medical forms include ganglionic, ganglioma, and ganglionated.
Related word forms
How postganglionic is actually used
This is a technical term used primarily in physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and anatomy. It is usually hyphenated as “post-ganglionic” in specialist writing, though the unhyphenated form is also common.
Easily confused with postganglionic
Postganglionic structures lie after an autonomic ganglion, whereas preganglionic structures lie between the central nervous system and that ganglion.