The cell body is the largest part of a typical neuron; contains the nucleus and much of the cytoplasm.

• A. Dendrites
• B. Cell body
• C. Synapse
• D. Axon terminal

Answer: (B)

The cell body, or soma, is the metabolic and genetic center of a neuron. It houses the nucleus, which contains the cell’s DNA and controls gene expression, and most of the cytoplasm where essential organelles like mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum reside. This combination makes the soma the largest and most active region, providing the proteins and energy the neuron needs to function. Dendrites are branched extensions that receive signals but do not contain the nucleus. The synapse is the junction where signals are passed to another neuron, and the axon terminal is the end of the axon where neurotransmitters are released. Because the nucleus and bulk of cytoplasm are located in the cell body, it is the best choice.