Cell body
Cell body
The cell body (pronunciation: /sɛl bɒdi/), also known as the soma (pronunciation: /ˈsoʊmə/), is the largest part of a neuron that contains the nucleus of the cell. The cell body is responsible for maintaining the life of the cell and is the site of vital cellular processes.
Etymology
The term "cell body" is derived from the Latin word 'cella' meaning a small room and the Old English 'bodig' meaning the physical structure of a being. The term "soma" is derived from the Greek word 'σῶμα' meaning body.
Structure
The cell body is made up of a cytoplasm, which contains several specialized organelles, including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. The nucleus, located in the cell body, controls the cell's activities and is responsible for the transmission of genetic information.
Function
The cell body is responsible for carrying out the metabolic functions of the neuron. It produces proteins needed for the neuron to function, maintains the cell's structure, and provides energy for the cell's activities. The cell body also plays a crucial role in processing and transmitting information within the neuron.
Related Terms
- Neuron: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
- Nucleus: A part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction.
- Cytoplasm: The material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.
- Mitochondria: An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: A network of membranous tubules within the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell, continuous with the nuclear membrane. It usually has ribosomes attached and is involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi apparatus: A complex of vesicles and folded membranes within the cytoplasm of most eukaryotic cells, involved in secretion and intracellular transport.
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