noun
- the cell body of a neuron containing the nucleus and most organelles, excluding the axon and dendrites
Usage: anatomy; neuroscience
Examples
- The perikaryon contains the neuron’s nucleus and ribosomes.
- Damage to the perikaryon can affect the entire nerve cell.
- Scientists studied the perikaryon to understand cellular metabolism.
- The perikaryon is located in the gray matter of the spinal cord.
- Nissl bodies are found within the perikaryon of neurons.
- The perikaryon gives rise to both axons and dendrites.