Tissue repair: wound contraction: 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 · Tissue repair: wound contraction

Sample item

A 60-year-old man has a large full-thickness burn that is left to heal by secondary intention. Over three weeks the open wound area shrinks by more than half before epithelialisation is complete. Which cell is chiefly responsible for this reduction in wound size?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Myofibroblast expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin

In healing by secondary intention, fibroblasts at the wound margin differentiate into myofibroblasts, which carry alpha-smooth muscle actin and pull the edges inward. This contraction reduces the defect that must be filled by granulation tissue and epithelium. Excessive contraction produces contractures across joints.

Option by option

  • A. Keratinocyte migrating from the wound edge

    Keratinocytes resurface the wound but do not reduce its area by contraction.

  • B. Mast cell releasing histamine

    Mast cells contribute to early vascular changes and have no contractile role in the wound bed.

  • C. Neutrophil releasing proteases

    Neutrophils clear bacteria and debris early and do not contract the wound.

  • D. Myofibroblast expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (correct)

    Myofibroblasts are the contractile cells that draw the wound margins together.

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 D, Myofibroblast expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin. In healing by secondary intention, fibroblasts at the wound margin differentiate into myofibroblasts, which carry alpha-smooth muscle actin and pull the edges inward.

Why is "Keratinocyte migrating from the wound edge" not the answer?

Keratinocytes resurface the wound but do not reduce its area by contraction.

Why is "Mast cell releasing histamine" not the answer?

Mast cells contribute to early vascular changes and have no contractile role in the wound bed.

Why is "Neutrophil releasing proteases" not the answer?

Neutrophils clear bacteria and debris early and do not contract the wound.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Tissue repair: wound contraction in Pathology. This contraction reduces the defect that must be filled by granulation tissue and epithelium. Excessive contraction produces contractures across joints.

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 Tissue repair: wound contraction?

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.