The term cyton is typically used in the field of neurobiology as a synonym for the cell body of a neuron. Other common synonyms for this term include perikaryon, soma, and neuronal body. These terms all refer to the central component of a neuron that contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for cellular processes. In addition, some experts may also use the term somatodendritic compartment to describe the region of the neuron that includes the cell body and dendrites. While these synonyms are all used interchangeably in the field of neuroscience, they serve to describe different aspects of the fundamental unit of the nervous system - the neuron.