Neuroanatomy: neuroglia: 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 · Neuroanatomy: neuroglia

Sample item

Most cells of the central nervous system develop from the neuroectoderm of the neural tube. Which resident cell of the CNS instead originates from mesoderm-derived haemopoietic precursors?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Microglia

Microglia are the resident macrophages of the CNS and arise from mesodermal yolk sac and haemopoietic precursors that enter the nervous system. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells all derive from neuroectoderm.

Option by option

  • A. Ependymal cells

    Ependymal cells derive from neuroectoderm and line the ventricles.

  • B. Oligodendrocytes

    Oligodendrocytes derive from neuroectoderm and myelinate CNS axons.

  • C. Astrocytes

    Astrocytes derive from neuroectodermal glioblasts.

  • D. Microglia (correct)

    Correct. Microglia are macrophage-lineage cells of mesodermal origin.

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 D, Microglia. Microglia are the resident macrophages of the CNS and arise from mesodermal yolk sac and haemopoietic precursors that enter the nervous system.

Why is "Ependymal cells" not the answer?

Ependymal cells derive from neuroectoderm and line the ventricles.

Why is "Oligodendrocytes" not the answer?

Oligodendrocytes derive from neuroectoderm and myelinate CNS axons.

Why is "Astrocytes" not the answer?

Astrocytes derive from neuroectodermal glioblasts.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuroanatomy: neuroglia in Anatomy. Astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and ependymal cells all derive from neuroectoderm.

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 Neuroanatomy: neuroglia?

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.