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What is a tick's synganglion?

The synganglion is the tick's compact central nervous system, formed from fused nerve centres and located inside the body rather than in a separate head capsule.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Learners and professionals

Short answer

The synganglion is the tick's compact central nervous system, formed from fused nerve centres and located inside the body rather than in a separate head capsule.

At a glance

It coordinates movement, sensation, feeding and internal functions in the compact body plan shared by ticks and other arachnids.

Key takeaways

• It functions as the central nervous system.

• It is a fused structure inside the body.

• It is not visible during ordinary identification.

A compact arachnid control centre

Nerves extend from the synganglion to the legs, sensory organs, mouthparts and internal organs. Its anatomy is studied mainly in laboratory and specialist contexts.