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The '''soma''' is one of the three primary parts of the [[neuron]]. It is the metabolic center of the neuron and contains the [[nucleus]], which stores all the genetic material for the [[organism]], and the [[endoplasmic reticulum]] which synthesizes all of the cellular [[proteins]]. The soma develops two projections, one called the [[dendrites]] receives input from other cells, while the other the [[axon]] outputs information from the soma. The individual dendrites, when activated, either send an [[inhibitory]] or [[excitatory]] signal to the soma. The soma then integrates all the activated dendrites and if certain threshold values are reached it alters its firing response along the axon. When a neuron decides to fire it activates an [[action potential]] which creates an electrical signal that travels down the axon. When the signal reaches the end of the axon it releases [[neurotransmitters]] into the space between where the axon ends and another cell's dendrites begin. This space is called the [[synaptic cleft]]. The released [[neurotransmitters]] may activate dendrites for other cells. Through this mechanism of communication and signal propagation the [[nervous system]] is able to sense the environment, integrate information and alter behavior.  

The '''soma''' or '''soma''' is one of the three primary parts of the [[neuron]]. It is the metabolic center of the neuron and contains the [[nucleus]], which stores all the genetic material for the [[organism]], and the [[endoplasmic reticulum]] which synthesizes all of the cellular [[proteins]]. The soma develops two projections, one called the [[dendrites]] receives input from other cells, while the other the [[axon]] outputs information from the soma. The individual dendrites, when activated, either send an [[inhibitory]] or [[excitatory]] signal to the soma. The soma then integrates all the activated dendrites and if certain threshold values are reached it alters its firing response along the axon. When a neuron decides to fire it activates an [[action potential]] which creates an electrical signal that travels down the axon. When the signal reaches the end of the axon it releases [[neurotransmitters]] into the space between where the axon ends and another cell's dendrites begin. This space is called the [[synaptic cleft]]. The released [[neurotransmitters]] may activate dendrites for other cells. Through this mechanism of communication and signal propagation the [[nervous system]] is able to sense the environment, integrate information and alter behavior.  

==References==

==References==

Martin, JH (2003). Neuroanatomy text and atlas 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.

Martin, JH (2003). Neuroanatomy text and atlas 3rd ed., New York: McGraw-Hill.