Histology: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · Histology

Sample item

Which cell maintains bone matrix after becoming embedded in it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Osteocyte

Osteocytes are mature bone cells embedded within lacunae that maintain the mineralized matrix and sense mechanical loading.

Option by option

  • A. Chondroblast

    Chondroblasts produce cartilage matrix rather than bone matrix.

  • B. Fibroblast

    Fibroblasts synthesize connective-tissue matrix, especially collagen.

  • C. Osteoclast

    Osteoclasts resorb bone through acid and enzyme secretion.

  • D. Osteocyte (correct)

    Correct: osteocytes are mature embedded bone-maintaining cells.

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.

More Anatomy questions

Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Osteocyte. Osteocytes are mature bone cells embedded within lacunae that maintain the mineralized matrix and sense mechanical loading.

Why is "Chondroblast" not the answer?

Chondroblasts produce cartilage matrix rather than bone matrix.

Why is "Fibroblast" not the answer?

Fibroblasts synthesize connective-tissue matrix, especially collagen.

Why is "Osteoclast" not the answer?

Osteoclasts resorb bone through acid and enzyme secretion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Histology in Anatomy. The correct option holds because: Correct: osteocytes are mature embedded bone-maintaining cells.

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 Histology?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.