SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 624
Immunology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
A tissue cell undergoes degranulation in association with IgE-mediated anaphylaxis and releases inflammatory mediators. Which cell is most consistent with this description?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Memory T lymphocyte
B
Mast cell
C
Dendritic cell
D
Monocyte
E
Natural killer cell
Explanation
Mast cells contain and release inflammatory mediators and undergo degranulation in association with IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions.
Option Validity
A) Memory T lymphocytes participate in acquired immune memory rather than IgE-mediated mast-cell degranulation.
C) Dendritic cells principally function as antigen-presenting cells.
D) Monocytes are circulating phagocytes and precursors of tissue macrophages.
E) Natural killer cells have spontaneous cytotoxic activity and do not require prior sensitisation.
Further Reading
Saxena MRCOG-1 Basic Sciences — Immunology: Mast cells, printed page 211.