A histological section of chronically inflamed tissue shows a cell with an eccentric, round nucleus displaying a distinct clock-face chromatin pattern and a prominent perinuclear hof. Which cell type is being described?
- A Mast cell
- B Plasma cell ✓
- C Macrophage
- D Fibroblast
Correct answer: B. Plasma cell
Explanation
Plasma cells are terminally differentiated C lymphocytes with abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, giving the cytoplasm a basophilic appearance. The eccentric nucleus with clock-face chromatin and the perinuclear hof representing the Golgi are classic identifying features. Mast cells contain granules, and macrophages have indented nuclei without clock-face chromatin.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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