Councilman bodies (acidophilic globules) seen in viral hepatitis represent:
- A Liquefactive necrosis of hepatocytes
- B Apoptotic hepatocytes with condensed cytoplasm and fragmented nucleus ✓
- C Coagulative necrosis from ischemic injury
- D Ballooning degeneration due to intracellular fat accumulation
Correct answer: B. Apoptotic hepatocytes with condensed cytoplasm and fragmented nucleus
Explanation
Councilman (acidophil) bodies are apoptotic hepatocytes — shrunken, deeply eosinophilic, with condensed nuclear fragments or anucleate cytoplasm. They result from immune-mediated hepatocyte killing (cytotoxic T cells) in viral hepatitis. Ballooning degeneration is hydropic change from endoplasmic reticulum swelling, distinct from apoptosis.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.