Ronald A. Bergman, Ph.D., Adel K. Afifi, M.D., Paul M. Heidger,
Jr., Ph.D.
Peer Review Status: Externally Peer Reviewed
Rhesus monkey, 10% formalin, gallocyanin, 612 x.
Perikaryon: Cell body, multipolar and large.
Nucleus: Spherical, pale, centrally placed with widely dispersed chromatin.
Nucleolus: Prominent in the pale background of the nucleus.
Dendrite: A process of the neuron that allows an expansion of the neuron surface for reception of stimuli. Nissl material is restricted to the proximal region of the dendrite.
Neuropil: Region between neurons. Composed of neuronal and glial processes.
Nissl bodies: Named after the German histologist Nissl, who first described them. They are one of the major characteristics of the neurons. Found in perikarya and in the proximal part of the dendrite. Electron microscopy reveals Nissl substance to be composed of ribosomes bound to membranes (the rough endoplasmic reticulum). Nissl substance is involved in protein synthesis. Nissl bodies undergo a distinctive change (chromatolysis) in response to axon section or injury.
Axon hillock: The region in the neuronal cell body that marks the emerging axon. It is devoid of Nissl bodies. See also Plate 89.
Next Page | Previous Page | Section Top | Title Page
Please send us comments by filling out our Comment Form.
All contents copyright © 1995-2024 the Author(s) and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. All rights reserved.
"Anatomy Atlases", the Anatomy Atlases logo, and "A digital library of anatomy information" are all Trademarks of Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Anatomy Atlases is funded in whole by Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Anatomy Atlases is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
URL: http://www.anatomyatlases.org/