Franz Nissl

Franz Nissl was a German neuroscientist who, in the early 20th century, developed a special staining technique to visualize nerve cell bodies in the brain and spinal cord. These stains highlight the rough endoplasmic reticulum within neurons, allowing scientists to observe their structure and organization more clearly. This work led to the creation of Nissl stains and the concept of "Nissl bodies," which are clusters of these cell components. His contributions significantly advanced our understanding of brain anatomy and helped distinguish different types of neurons, serving as foundational tools in neuroscience research.