Phrenic ganglia
Ganglia phrenica
Definition
Phrenic ganglia are accumulation of neuronal cell bodies which are situated underneath the diaphragm–more commonly on the right side–at the junction of right phrenic nerve with the periarterial plexus around right inferior phrenic artery.
The inferior phrenic artery is a branch of the celiac trunk and supplies vasculature to the diaphragm. As this artery emerges from the celiac trunk it allows the celiac ganglia and the celiac plexus to extend around it and reach the diaphragm. It is here, where the right phrenic nerve meets the periarterial plexus around the right inferior phrenic artery. The phrenic ganglia are specifically found at this junction or meeting point.
Evidence in the literature suggests that phrenic ganglia are sympathetic ganglia and have a vasoconstrictor effect on the diaphragmatic vasculature.
References
Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.
Tubbs, R.S., Stetler, W., Kelly, D.R., Blevins, D., Lott, R., Humphrey, R., Shoja, M.M. and Loukas, M. (2008).Immunohistochemical study of the phrenic ganglion. Anat Sci Int. 83(3):159-161. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-073X.2007.00224.x
Rusu MC. Considerations on the phrenic ganglia. Ann Anat. 2006 Jan;188(1):85-92. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2005.09.005.
