Golgi, Camillo (1843-1926)

Italian cell biologist who was awarded a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1906 with Santiago Ramón y Cajal for their discovery of the fine structure of the nervous system.

Golgi's use of silver salts in staining cells proved so effective in showing up the components and fine processes of nerve cells that even the synapses - tiny gaps between the cells - were visible. The Golgi apparatus, a series of flattened membranous cavities found in the cytoplasm of cells, was first described by him in 1898.

Golgi was born near Brescia and studied at Pavia, where he spent most of his academic career, becoming professor in 1876. He was elected to the senate in 1900.

From his examinations of different parts of the brain, Golgi put forward the theory that there are two types of nerve cells, sensory and motor cells, and that axons are concerned with the transmission of nerve impulses. He discovered tension receptors in the tendons - now called the organs of Golgi.

Between 1885 and 1893 Golgi investigated malaria. This was known to be caused by the protozoon Plasmodium, and Golgi showed how the fever attacks coincide with the release into the bloodstream of a new generation of the parasites. He also established a method of treatment.