Dorsal root ganglion

A dorsal root ganglion is a cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies beside a spinal nerve root. Its neurons carry sensory signals from the body into the spinal cord.

Pseudounipolar neuron: A neuron with one process that divides into peripheral and central branches, carrying sensory signals toward the central nervous system. Most ganglion neurons use this shape to relay signals without routing them through the cell body.
Spinal cord: The central nervous system structure within the vertebral canal that relays signals and coordinates reflexes. The ganglion sits outside it, while its central sensory fibers enter it.
Radiculopathy: A disorder caused by disease or injury affecting a spinal nerve root. Root compression near a ganglion can produce radiating pain, numbness, or weakness.
Autonomic ganglion: A peripheral ganglion containing neuron cell bodies that relay autonomic signals to organs. Autonomic ganglia relay signals between neurons; dorsal root ganglia house primary sensory neuron bodies.
Dorsal root: The bundle of sensory nerve fibers entering the back of the spinal cord. Ganglion neurons send their central branches through this route into the spinal cord.
Dorsal horn: The posterior region of spinal gray matter that receives many sensory inputs. Many ganglion axons terminate or synapse in this spinal cord region.
Herpes zoster: A viral disease caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus, often producing a painful dermatomal rash. The virus can persist in sensory ganglia, including dorsal root ganglia.
Sympathetic ganglion: A ganglion in the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Its neurons regulate involuntary functions rather than carry primary spinal sensory input.
Spinal nerve: A mixed nerve formed when sensory dorsal roots and motor ventral roots join. Peripheral branches from the ganglion enter the body through spinal nerves.
Satellite glial cell: A glial cell that surrounds neuron cell bodies in peripheral ganglia and regulates their local environment. These cells closely sheath sensory neuron bodies within the ganglion.

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