National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Practice Exam

What does the cell body of a neuron contain?

1. Nucleus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and Golgi complex

2. Neurotransmitters for nerve communication

3. Electrical charges that initiate nerve impulses

4. Synaptic connections to other neurons

The correct answer is: Nucleus, lysosomes, mitochondria, and Golgi complex

The cell body of a neuron, also known as the soma, contains vital cellular structures that support its function. Specifically, it houses the nucleus, which contains genetic material, allowing for the regulation of cellular activities and protein synthesis. Additionally, it contains organelles such as lysosomes that manage waste, mitochondria that produce energy, and the Golgi complex that helps package and distribute proteins. This cellular architecture is critical for the neuron's overall health and functionality, enabling it to properly support nerve communication and impulse generation. While neurotransmitters are indeed crucial for communication between neurons, they are primarily synthesized in the axon terminals rather than being a focus of the cell body itself. The electrical charges that initiate nerve impulses occur along the neuron's axon due to ion movements across the membrane, not within the cell body. Synaptic connections, arising from the axon terminals, allow interactions with other neurons, but those connections do not exist within the structure of the cell body. Thus, option A is the most accurate depiction of the contents of the neuron cell body.