Notes on the structure of a cyton

Notes on the structure of a cyton

This is also called the cell body, soma or perikaryon. Body of the neuron may be rounded, oval, or stellate. The cytoplasm is abundant and it is called neuroplasm. The cyton has a large nucleus with a distinct nucleolous. The cytoplasm also has mitochondria golgi aparatus, flat globules and fine thread like structures called neurofribrils. There is no centrosome so that the neuron cannot divide. But some zoologists opine that centrosomes are present in the neurons. In addition to this the cytoplasm has numerous basophilic bodies called Nissle ‘s granules.

The exact functioning of these granules is not understood. But they seem to play an important role in the metabolism of the neurons as indicated by the fact that they undergo changes under different physiological conditions. Electron microscopic studies of the Nissle’s granules have shown it to be rough endoplasmic reticulum.