Question: Cell Body (Definition)

Answer: Also called soma, these structures can be star shaped, round or pyramidal, with large nuclei and prominent nucleoli.

Question: Nissl Bodies (Definition)

Answer: Large aggregation of RER and free polysomes arranged in alternating layers. These are the only subcellular structures visible in light micrographs of neurons.

Question: Axon Hillock (Definition)

Answer: A negative stained portion of the cell body that contains mostly neurotubules, where the axon of the neuron originates.

Question: Dendrites (Definition)

Answer: A short tapering process which do not contain nuclei or golgi that merges with the cell body.

Question: Dendrites (Function)

Answer: Increases the surface area of the neuron and recieves input from surrounding axons and conducts the signal toward the cell body.