Aganglionic

/eɪɡæŋɡliˈɑːnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Lacking nerve ganglia or nerve cells; describing a condition where certain nerve tissues are absent or underdeveloped.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) plus 'ganglion' (a cluster of nerve cells) plus the suffix '-ic' (relating to). The term is primarily used in medical contexts, especially in describing intestinal disorders.

Kelly Says

Hirschsprung's disease is an aganglionic condition where babies are born with missing nerve cells in their intestines—this prevents normal digestion, but doctors can surgically fix it by removing the affected section!

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