What is the primary function of ganglia, a crucial component of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Correct answer is A. Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system (CNS). Their primary function is to process sensory information and coordinate reflex responses. Sensory information is received by peripheral nerves and transmitted to ganglia, where the processing occurs before signals are sent to the CNS or other parts of the peripheral nervous system. This function is crucial for rapid, involuntary responses to stimuli. Options (b), (c), and (d) describe functions that are not characteristic of ganglia in the PNS.