SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 379
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
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A population of cells undergoes coordinated internally programmed cell death. Histology shows cellular shrinkage, chromatin condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies. Which accompanying feature most strongly distinguishes this process from tissue necrosis?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Release of hydrolytic enzymes followed by surrounding inflammatory reaction
B
Prominent collateral injury to adjacent viable tissue
C
Cheese-like transformation of the affected tissue
D
Absence of inflammation and collateral tissue damage
E
Obligatory progression through coagulative necrosis
Explanation
Apoptosis is coordinated programmed cell death. In contrast to necrosis, it is not accompanied by an inflammatory reaction or collateral tissue damage.
Option Validity
A) Hydrolytic degradation with an inflammatory reaction is characteristic of necrosis rather than apoptosis.
B) Apoptosis characteristically avoids collateral tissue damage.
C) Cheese-like material characterises caseous necrosis, classically associated with tuberculosis.
E) Apoptosis is a distinct mechanism of cell death and does not require progression through coagulative necrosis.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.