Anatomy and physiology of the eye: Muller cells: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Anatomy and physiology of the eye: Muller cells

Sample item

Which retinal cell spans the full thickness of the retina and forms both the inner and outer limiting membranes?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Muller cell

Muller cells are the principal glia of the retina. Their end-feet form the internal limiting membrane and their apical junctions with photoreceptors form the external limiting membrane.

Option by option

  • A. Muller cell (correct)

    Correct. Muller cells extend from the inner to outer limiting membrane.

  • B. Astrocyte

    Astrocytes lie mainly in the nerve fibre layer and around vessels.

  • C. Microglial cell

    Microglia are resident immune cells and do not form limiting membranes.

  • D. Oligodendrocyte

    Oligodendrocytes myelinate the optic nerve behind the lamina cribrosa and are absent from the retina.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, Muller cell. Muller cells are the principal glia of the retina.

Why is "Astrocyte" not the answer?

Astrocytes lie mainly in the nerve fibre layer and around vessels.

Why is "Microglial cell" not the answer?

Microglia are resident immune cells and do not form limiting membranes.

Why is "Oligodendrocyte" not the answer?

Oligodendrocytes myelinate the optic nerve behind the lamina cribrosa and are absent from the retina.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Anatomy and physiology of the eye: Muller cells in Ophthalmology. Their end-feet form the internal limiting membrane and their apical junctions with photoreceptors form the external limiting membrane.

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 Anatomy and physiology of the eye: Muller cells?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.