General anatomy and histology: Langerhans cell: 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: Langerhans cell

Sample item

Electron microscopy of epidermis shows a suprabasal dendritic cell with racket-shaped cytoplasmic granules. Which function does this cell serve?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Antigen presentation to T cells

Langerhans cells are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells of the epidermis. Birbeck granules are their racket-shaped marker. They capture antigen and carry it to regional lymph nodes for presentation to T cells.

Option by option

  • A. Secretion of keratohyalin

    Keratinocytes of the granular layer make keratohyalin, not Langerhans cells.

  • B. Antigen presentation to T cells (correct)

    Correct. Racket-shaped Birbeck granules mark the epidermal antigen-presenting cell.

  • C. Melanin production

    This is the role of melanocytes, which have melanosomes rather than Birbeck granules.

  • D. Mechanoreception of light touch

    This is the role of Merkel cells, which have dense-core granules.

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 B, Antigen presentation to T cells. Langerhans cells are bone marrow-derived dendritic cells of the epidermis.

Why is "Secretion of keratohyalin" not the answer?

Keratinocytes of the granular layer make keratohyalin, not Langerhans cells.

Why is "Melanin production" not the answer?

This is the role of melanocytes, which have melanosomes rather than Birbeck granules.

Why is "Mechanoreception of light touch" not the answer?

This is the role of Merkel cells, which have dense-core granules.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: Langerhans cell in Anatomy. Birbeck granules are their racket-shaped marker. They capture antigen and carry it to regional lymph nodes for presentation to T 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 General anatomy and histology: Langerhans cell?

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.