Subesophageal ganglion

Definition

A major neural center located below the esophagus in insects and some other arthropods that controls the mouthparts, salivary glands, and certain neck muscles.

Etymology

From Latin 'sub-', meaning 'under', and 'esophagus', the muscular tube through which food passes from the throat to the stomach; 'ganglion' from Greek 'ganglion', meaning 'a knot of nerve cells'.

Example

The subesophageal ganglion of the grasshopper coordinates the movements of its mandibles and maxillae during feeding.

Related Terms

• Nervous system
• Ganglion
• Thoracic ganglia
• Brain

Usage Notes

The subesophageal ganglion is interconnected with the insect's brain and other ganglia, playing a crucial role in the integration of sensory inputs and motor outputs related to feeding and other activities.