SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 407
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Microscopy of irreversibly injured tissue shows progressive nuclear destruction. Which sequence correctly describes the nuclear changes of necrosis?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Karyolysis → pyknosis → karyorrhexis
B
Pyknosis → karyorrhexis → karyolysis
C
Karyorrhexis → karyolysis → pyknosis
D
Pyknosis → karyolysis → karyorrhexis
E
Karyorrhexis → pyknosis → karyolysis
Explanation
The characteristic nuclear sequence in necrosis is pyknosis, followed by karyorrhexis and finally karyolysis. These changes reflect progressive irreversible nuclear degradation after cell death.
Option Validity
A) Karyolysis is the final rather than the initial event in the sequence.
C) Pyknosis precedes both karyorrhexis and karyolysis.
D) Karyorrhexis occurs before karyolysis.
E) Pyknosis occurs before karyorrhexis rather than after it.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.