General anatomy and histology: synovial membrane: 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 · General anatomy and histology: synovial membrane

Sample item

In the synovial intima, one cell type is fibroblast-like and secretes hyaluronan and lubricin into the joint fluid, while the other is macrophage-like. Which cell secretes the lubricating molecules?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Type B synoviocyte

The synovial intima has type A (macrophage-like, phagocytic) and type B (fibroblast-like, secretory) cells. Type B cells make hyaluronan and lubricin, which give synovial fluid its viscosity and lubrication. Articular cartilage is not part of the synovial intima.

Option by option

  • A. Type B synoviocyte (correct)

    Correct. Type B synoviocytes are secretory fibroblast-like cells.

  • B. Superficial chondrocyte of articular cartilage

    Articular chondrocytes maintain cartilage matrix and are not part of the synovial lining.

  • C. Osteoclast of the subchondral plate

    Osteoclasts resorb bone and are not involved in synovial fluid formation.

  • D. Type A synoviocyte

    Type A synoviocytes clear debris from the joint cavity by phagocytosis.

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 Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is A, Type B synoviocyte. The synovial intima has type A (macrophage-like, phagocytic) and type B (fibroblast-like, secretory) cells.

Why is "Superficial chondrocyte of articular cartilage" not the answer?

Articular chondrocytes maintain cartilage matrix and are not part of the synovial lining.

Why is "Osteoclast of the subchondral plate" not the answer?

Osteoclasts resorb bone and are not involved in synovial fluid formation.

Why is "Type A synoviocyte" not the answer?

Type A synoviocytes clear debris from the joint cavity by phagocytosis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: synovial membrane in Anatomy. Type B cells make hyaluronan and lubricin, which give synovial fluid its viscosity and lubrication. Articular cartilage is not part of the synovial intima.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 General anatomy and histology: synovial membrane?

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.