Soma

The soma or cell body is the control center of a neuron, also called neurosoma. It contains a single, centrally located nucleus with a prominent nucleolus.

The cytoplasm includes mitochondria, lysosomes, a Golgi apparatus, various inclusions, and an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), along with a well-developed cytoskeleton.

The cytoskeleton is composed of microtubules and neurofibrils (bundles of actin filaments). These structures organize the RER into dark-staining regions known as Nissl bodies, which are unique to neurons.

Nissl bodies are a crucial histological feature that helps identify neurons in tissue sections containing a mixture of cell types.