NISSL GRANULES Meaning and
Definition
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Nissl granules, also referred to as Nissl bodies or chromophilic substances, are specialized structures found inside the cell bodies of neurons. They are visible under a microscope as darkly staining granules or clumps within the cytoplasm. Nissl granules are composed of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ribosomes, which play a crucial role in protein synthesis in neurons.
These granules are named after Franz Nissl, a German neuropathologist who discovered them in the late 19th century. They are most abundant in cell bodies of neurons located in regions of the brain known as gray matter, particularly the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus.
The presence of Nissl granules indicates high metabolic activity and protein synthesis within the neuron. They are involved in the production of proteins necessary for cellular functioning and the maintenance of neuronal structure. Nissl granules also participate in the transport of proteins from the cell body to the dendrites and axons of the neuron.
While Nissl granules are predominantly found in neurons, they are absent in other cell types, such as glial cells. This characteristic staining pattern allows for their identification and differentiation from other cell components during histological examinations.
Impairments or alterations in Nissl granules can be indicative of pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative disorders or neuronal injuries. Therefore, studying Nissl granules can provide valuable insights into the health and functionality of neurons in various neurological contexts.
Common Misspellings for NISSL GRANULES
- bissl granules
- missl granules
- jissl granules
- hissl granules
- nussl granules
- njssl granules
- nkssl granules
- nossl granules
- n9ssl granules
- n8ssl granules
- niasl granules
- nizsl granules
- nixsl granules
- nidsl granules
- niesl granules
- niwsl granules
- nisal granules
- niszl granules
- nisxl granules
- nisdl granules
Etymology of NISSL GRANULES
The term "Nissl granules" is named after the German neuropathologist and psychiatrist, Franz Nissl. He was born in 1860 and made significant contributions to the field of neuroscience, particularly in the study of nerve cells and their structure. Nissl developed a staining technique called Nissl stain or Nissl method, which allowed the visualization of the clustered bodies observed in the cytoplasm of neurons. These clusters were later coined "Nissl granules" in his honor. Nissl granules are actually ribosomes, which are involved in protein synthesis within the neuron.
