soma (Body)
Soma, in biological terms, refers to the body of an organism, excluding the reproductive cells. It encompasses all the physical structures, such as organs, tissues, and cells, that make up a living being. The soma plays a crucial role in maintaining the functions necessary for survival, including movement, growth, and response to the environment.
In the context of neuroscience, the soma is also known as the cell body of a neuron. It contains the nucleus and is responsible for the metabolic activities of the neuron. The soma integrates signals received from other neurons and plays a vital role in transmitting information throughout the nervous system.