Neuron cell body
A neuron cell body, or soma, is the central part of a nerve cell containing its nucleus. Dendrites receive signals and an axon carries signals away.
Also known as: neuron soma, nerve cell body
How big is it?
20 µm across
Defined soma diameter · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 10 µm to 50 µm.
A little perspective
Pollen grain is about 1.5 times larger on this measurement.
Pollen grain: A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Neuron cell body
A defined 20 micrometre neuronal soma diameter. Neuron cell bodies vary greatly by type and location; dendrites and the axon can extend far beyond the measured soma and are schematic here.
NCBI Bookshelf — Neuroanatomy, Neurons
The marked defined soma diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Pollen grain
A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.
University of Utah — Cell size and scale
The marked characteristic size is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Change your perspective
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 20 µm
For comparison, this page uses defined soma diameter. This is labelled defined specimen: an explicit comparison model rather than a claim that every example has the same value. The recorded range is 10 µm to 50 µm.
A defined 20 micrometre neuronal soma diameter. Neuron cell bodies vary greatly by type and location; dendrites and the axon can extend far beyond the measured soma and are schematic here.
The marked horizontal span follows the named feature; transparent margins and unmeasured details do not alter it. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Neuron cell body dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 µm | 10 µm to 50 µm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible length records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Around the same scale · MicroscopicDust particle10 µmDust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
Nearest higher value · MicroscopicPollen grain30 µmA pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NCBI Bookshelf — Neuroanatomy, NeuronsNeuron soma, axon and dendrite anatomy; soma size varies by neuron type and the atlas uses a defined 20 micrometre body.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
Microscopic10 µm cell10 µmA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
PeopleSperm cell50 µmA sperm cell is a male reproductive cell with a compact head, energy-producing midpiece and a flagellum used for movement.
MicroscopicRed blood cell7.5 µmA red blood cell is a specialised blood cell that transports oxygen using haemoglobin.MicroscopicPollen grain30 µmA pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.MicroscopicDust particle10 µmDust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
People70 µm hair70 µmA hair is a slender strand of protein that grows from the skin of humans and other mammals.
Everyday thingsSheet of paper100 µmA sheet of paper is a flat material made from cellulose pulp, used for writing, printing or packaging.
MicroscopicYeast cell5 µmYeast is a group of single-celled fungi.