Anatomy: limbal stem cells: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Anatomy: limbal stem cells

Sample item

A patient with a severe alkali burn has total loss of limbal tissue. Which limbal structure is the main reservoir of corneal epithelial stem cells?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Palisades of Vogt

The palisades of Vogt at the corneoscleral limbus house the stem cells that replenish corneal epithelium. Their loss causes conjunctivalisation with vascularised, opaque cornea. Management is limbal stem cell transplantation.

Option by option

  • A. Schlemm canal

    Schlemm canal drains aqueous humour.

  • B. Schwalbe line

    Schwalbe line is the end of Descemet membrane, not a stem cell niche.

  • C. Palisades of Vogt (correct)

    Correct. Stem cells are in the basal epithelium of the palisades of Vogt.

  • D. Scleral spur

    The scleral spur is the attachment for the ciliary muscle and trabecular meshwork.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Palisades of Vogt. The palisades of Vogt at the corneoscleral limbus house the stem cells that replenish corneal epithelium.

Why is "Schlemm canal" not the answer?

Schlemm canal drains aqueous humour.

Why is "Schwalbe line" not the answer?

Schwalbe line is the end of Descemet membrane, not a stem cell niche.

Why is "Scleral spur" not the answer?

The scleral spur is the attachment for the ciliary muscle and trabecular meshwork.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy: limbal stem cells in Ophthalmology. Their loss causes conjunctivalisation with vascularised, opaque cornea. Management is limbal stem cell transplantation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Anatomy: limbal stem cells?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.