0 the whole of an organism except its reproductive cells (= those connected with the process of producing new life): --
These nerve cells have three main structural parts – axon, dendrites and soma.
A sharp distinction between soma and germ line makes it possible to prevent acquired characters from being transmitted.
Organelles seen in the somata of neurons are also seen in astrocytes.
The axon conducts these impulses away from the soma or dendrites toward other neurons.
Researchers have demonstrated that it is possible to cross the germ line – soma barrier.
They find that PIWI genes and piRNAs are expressed in both the germline and soma.