Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

perikarya

Noun

/ˌpɛrɪˈkɑːriə/

Definition

A term used in biology to describe the cytoplasmic components of a cell, particularly in reference to neurons.

Examples

The perikarya are crucial for processing information in the nervous system.
In a neuron, the perikarya contains the nucleus and is vital for metabolic activities.

Meaning

Perikarya refers specifically to the cell body of a neuron, including its nucleus and other organelles, which are essential for the cell’s function and growth.