preganglionic

adjective

pre·​gan·​gli·​on·​ic ˌprē-ˌgaŋ-glē-ˈä-nik 

: proximal to a ganglion

specifically : of, relating to, or being a usually myelinated axon arising from a cell body in the central nervous system and terminating in an autonomic ganglion compare postganglionic

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

preganglionic

adjective

pre·​gan·​gli·​on·​ic -ˌgaŋ-glē-ˈän-ik 

: anterior or proximal to a ganglion

specifically : being, affecting, involving, or relating to a usually myelinated efferent nerve fiber arising from a cell body in the central nervous system and terminating in an autonomic ganglion compare postganglionic