Neuron Structure and Nissl's Granules — NEET Biology
✅ Asked in NEET 2018A neuron is a microscopic structure composed of three major parts, namely, cell body, dendrites and axon. The cell body contains cytoplasm with typical cell organelles and certain granular bodies called Nissl's granules. Short fibres which branch repeatedly and project out of the cell body also
NTA tests your understanding of Nissl's granules as specialized rough ER in the neuronal cell body responsible for protein synthesis. Students often confuse Nissl's granules with mitochondria or think they're found throughout the entire neuron, including the axon—this is a common mistake. Remember: Nissl's granules are basophilic granular structures present only in the cell body and dendrites, NOT in the axon. They appear dark blue under the microscope due to ribosomal RNA content and are essential for synthesizing neurotransmitters and neuronal proteins. This distinction between axon (lacking Nissl's granules) and cell body/dendrites (rich in them) is frequently tested in NEET to assess your grasp of neuronal specialization.
Nissl bodies are mainly composed of:
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