Cyton

/ˈsaɪtɑːn/ noun

Definition

The cell body of a neuron, containing the nucleus and most of the cytoplasm, where the main metabolic activities occur.

Etymology

From Greek 'kytos' (cell), referring to the central part of a nerve cell. Used in neuroscience since the late 1800s to distinguish the main body from axons and dendrites.

Kelly Says

The cyton is like the 'command center' of a neuron—while axons and dendrites are the communication cables, the cyton is the processing hub where the cell decides what signals to send.

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