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AnatomyNeuroanatomyNissl bodies
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AnatomyNeuroanatomyNissl bodies

Nissl bodies

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc •
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Neurons [11:24]
Neurons are the basic building blocks of the nervous system.
Chromatophilic substance (Nissl bodies)
Substantia chromatophilica
1/2
Synonyms: NIssl granules

Nissl bodies, also called nissl substance, are granules in the cytoplasm of nerve cell bodies that are strongly stained by basic dyes and appear as basophilic clumps on light microscopy. They consist of aggregates of free polyribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. These granules are scattered throughout the cytoplasm of nerve cell bodies and may extend into the proximal parts of large dendrites.

Nissl bodies are involved in protein synthetic activity and are more prominent in large active nerve cells that such spinal motor neurons.

Terminology English: Nissl bodies
Latin: Substantia chromatophilica
Function Protein synthesis

Learn about the various features of neurons in the following study unit:

Neurons Explore study unit

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

Haines, D. E., Mihailoff, G. A., Cunningham, W., Schenk, M., Armstrong, G. W., & Runyan, C. P. (2018). Fundamental neuroscience for basic and clinical applications. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Nolte, J. (2009). The human brain: an introduction to its functional anatomy. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby/Elsevier.

Standring, S. (2016). Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Philadelphia: Elsevier Limited.

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