perikarya
nounUK /ˌpɛrɪˈkærɪə/
US /ˌpɛrɪˈkɛriə/
The main body of a nerve cell that holds the nucleus.
The scientist looked at the perikarya under the microscope to see where the cell's control center sits.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The plural of perikaryon, the cytoplasm around a cell nucleus.
The perikarya of these cells contain many ribosomes.
3. The region of a neuron containing the nucleus and most organelles.
Damage to the perikarya can harm the whole nerve cell.
4. In some invertebrates, the central body region of certain sensory cells.
Researchers mapped the perikarya in the insect's sensory system.