Neuroscience Online (i,8,3)

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Cell Soma

The region of the neuron containing the nucleus is known as the cell body, soma, or perikaryon (Figure 8.2). The cell body is the metabolic center of the neuron.

The interior of the soma consists of cytoplasm, a gel within a microtrabecular lattice formed by the microtubules and associated proteins that make up the cytoskeleton.

Energy producing metabolism and the synthesis of the macromolecules used by the cell to maintain its structure and execute its function are the principal activities of the neuronal soma. As described in Chapter 6, it also acts as a receptive area for synaptic inputs from other cells. Embedded within the neuronal cytoplasm are the organelles common to other cells, the nucleus, nucleolus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, endosomes, and peroxisomes. Many of these cell inclusions are responsible for the expression of genetic information controlling the synthesis of cellular proteins involved in energy production, growth, and replacement of materials lost by attrition.

Figure 8.2

Diagrammatic representation of the neuron cell body or perikaryon emphasizing the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and cytoskeleton.

Place cursor over image to identify organelles.