Wound healing: role of macrophages: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Wound healing: role of macrophages

Sample item

Which cell is considered the key orchestrator that bridges the inflammatory and proliferative phases of wound healing?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Macrophage

Neutrophils dominate the first day or two, clearing bacteria and debris, whereas macrophages arrive by 48 to 72 hours and secrete growth factors that recruit fibroblasts and stimulate angiogenesis. Macrophage depletion impairs healing. Fibroblasts then lay down collagen in the proliferative phase.

Option by option

  • A. Eosinophil

    Eosinophils are not central to normal healing.

  • B. Macrophage (correct)

    Correct. Macrophages coordinate the transition to repair.

  • C. Neutrophil

    Neutrophils act mainly in the earliest phase.

  • D. Mast cell

    Mast cells have a minor role.

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 General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is B, Macrophage. Neutrophils dominate the first day or two, clearing bacteria and debris, whereas macrophages arrive by 48 to 72 hours and secrete growth factors that recruit fibroblasts and stimulate angiogenesis.

Why is "Eosinophil" not the answer?

Eosinophils are not central to normal healing.

Why is "Neutrophil" not the answer?

Neutrophils act mainly in the earliest phase.

Why is "Mast cell" not the answer?

Mast cells have a minor role.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Wound healing: role of macrophages in General Surgery. Macrophage depletion impairs healing. Fibroblasts then lay down collagen in the proliferative phase.

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 Wound healing: role of macrophages?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.