General anatomy and histology: myoepithelial 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: myoepithelial cell

Sample item

A section of a salivary gland acinus shows stellate cells containing actin and myosin that lie between the secretory cells and the basal lamina. What is their function?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Contract to squeeze secretion from the acinus into the duct

Myoepithelial cells are contractile, ectoderm-derived cells found in salivary, mammary, lacrimal and sweat glands. Their basket-like processes embrace the acinus and contract in response to nerve and hormonal stimuli, expelling secretion. In the breast, oxytocin triggers their contraction at let-down.

Option by option

  • A. Secrete the enzyme-rich serous component of saliva

    Serous enzyme secretion is the job of the acinar epithelial cells themselves.

  • B. Transport secretory immunoglobulin A across the epithelium

    IgA is transported by the glandular epithelial cells using the polymeric Ig receptor.

  • C. Anchor the secretory cells to the connective tissue

    Anchoring to the basal lamina is done by hemidesmosomes of the epithelial cells.

  • D. Contract to squeeze secretion from the acinus into the duct (correct)

    Correct. Their contraction expels the secretion into the duct system.

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, Contract to squeeze secretion from the acinus into the duct. Myoepithelial cells are contractile, ectoderm-derived cells found in salivary, mammary, lacrimal and sweat glands.

Why is "Secrete the enzyme-rich serous component of saliva" not the answer?

Serous enzyme secretion is the job of the acinar epithelial cells themselves.

Why is "Transport secretory immunoglobulin A across the epithelium" not the answer?

IgA is transported by the glandular epithelial cells using the polymeric Ig receptor.

Why is "Anchor the secretory cells to the connective tissue" not the answer?

Anchoring to the basal lamina is done by hemidesmosomes of the epithelial cells.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: myoepithelial cell in Anatomy. Their basket-like processes embrace the acinus and contract in response to nerve and hormonal stimuli, expelling secretion. In the breast, oxytocin triggers their contraction at let-down.

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: myoepithelial 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.