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 · defined soma diameter
Defined soma diameter · defined specimen
Typical recorded range: 10 µm to 50 µm.
A little perspective
Neuron cell body vs Pollen grain: length comparison
The characteristic size of a pollen grain is about 1.5 times the soma diameter of a neuron cell body.
A neuron cell body, or soma, is the central part of a nerve cell containing its nucleus.
A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Neuron cell body
Defined soma diameter: 20 µm; defined specimen; range 10 µm–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.
NCBI Bookshelf — Neuroanatomy, Neurons
The marked defined soma diameter is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Pollen grain
Characteristic size: 30 µm; representative.
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.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 20 µm
We compare the soma diameter of a neuron cell body. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same. 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 measured feature, not the edges of the image. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 µm | 10 µm to 50 µm | defined specimen |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMicroscopic objectsCell10 µmDiameterA cell is the basic structural unit of living organisms.
Around the same scaleMicroscopic objectsDust particle10 µmCharacteristic sizeDust is a mixture of tiny solid particles from sources such as soil, fibres, skin and pollen.
Nearest higher valueMicroscopic objectsPollen grain30 µmCharacteristic sizeA 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.
MicroscopicCell10 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.
PeopleHair70 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.