Vascular pathology: atherosclerosis: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Vascular pathology: atherosclerosis

Sample item

Which event is central to formation of an atherosclerotic fatty streak?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Accumulation of lipid-laden foam cells in the intima

Fatty streaks form when monocytes enter the intima, take up modified lipoproteins, and become foam cells. Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation drive plaque progression.

Option by option

  • A. Accumulation of lipid-laden foam cells in the intima (correct)

    Correct. Intimal foam cells are the hallmark early lesion.

  • B. Complete absence of inflammatory cells

    Inflammation is central to atherosclerosis.

  • C. Acute fibrinous pericarditis

    Pericarditis affects the pericardial sac, not arterial intima.

  • D. Smooth muscle necrosis only

    Smooth muscle cells later contribute to fibrous plaque formation.

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 Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Accumulation of lipid-laden foam cells in the intima. Fatty streaks form when monocytes enter the intima, take up modified lipoproteins, and become foam cells.

Why is "Complete absence of inflammatory cells" not the answer?

Inflammation is central to atherosclerosis.

Why is "Acute fibrinous pericarditis" not the answer?

Pericarditis affects the pericardial sac, not arterial intima.

Why is "Smooth muscle necrosis only" not the answer?

Smooth muscle cells later contribute to fibrous plaque formation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Vascular pathology: atherosclerosis in Pathology. Endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation drive plaque progression.

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 Vascular pathology: atherosclerosis?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.