Dermatology · Papulosquamous Disorders (Psoriasis, Lichen Planus)

Histopathological examination of a plaque of psoriasis shows small aggregates of cells within the stratum corneum overlying parakeratotic areas. These aggregates, called Munro microabscesses, are composed of:

  • A Eosinophils
  • B Lymphocytes
  • C Histiocytes
  • D Neutrophils
Correct answer: D. Neutrophils

Explanation

Munro microabscesses are collections of neutrophils trapped within the stratum corneum, a direct consequence of the neutrophil chemokines (IL-8) produced by activated keratinocytes in the IL-23/Th17 axis. They differ from the spongiform pustules of Kogoj, which are neutrophil aggregates within the upper spinous layer forming sponge-like spaces. Eosinophils suggest a blistering or drug reaction, lymphocytes dominate lichenoid infiltrates, and histiocytes characterize granulomatous disease.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 43,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Papulosquamous Disorders (Psoriasis, Lichen Planus) MCQs

See all Papulosquamous Disorders (Psoriasis, Lichen Planus) MCQs →