Pathology · Glomerular Diseases (Nephrotic/Nephritic Syndromes)

Cellular crescents in rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis form within Bowman space. The principal cells composing a cellular crescent are:

  • A Proliferating mesangial cells migrating into Bowman space
  • B Proliferating visceral epithelial cells (podocytes)
  • C Proliferating parietal epithelial cells and infiltrating monocyte-macrophages
  • D Proliferating glomerular endothelial cells
Correct answer: C. Proliferating parietal epithelial cells and infiltrating monocyte-macrophages

Explanation

Severe glomerular injury disrupts the capillary wall and Bowman capsule, allowing plasma proteins, fibrin, and inflammatory mediators to leak into Bowman space. Parietal epithelial cells proliferate vigorously in response, and monocytes migrate in from the circulation; together they form the multilayered cellular crescent that compresses the tuft. Podocytes rarely enter Bowman space, and mesangial or endothelial hypercellularity remains confined to the tuft itself, which excludes the other options.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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