Inflammation and repair: limbal stem cells: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Inflammation and repair: limbal stem cells

Sample item

Corneal epithelium renews itself continuously and heals small abrasions without scarring. Where do the stem cells that regenerate it reside?

AIn the endothelium of the posterior corneaBIn the lens epitheliumCIn the central corneal stromaDIn the limbus at the corneoscleral junction

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. In the limbus at the corneoscleral junction

Stem cells of the corneal epithelium are located in the basal layer of the limbus, the transition between cornea and sclera. Their loss, as after chemical burns, leads to conjunctival ingrowth and opacification. Many labile tissues similarly rely on defined stem cell niches such as the intestinal crypts and the hair follicle bulge.

Option by option

A. In the endothelium of the posterior cornea
Corneal endothelium has very limited regenerative capacity.
B. In the lens epithelium
Lens epithelium relates to the lens and not to the cornea.
C. In the central corneal stroma
The stromal keratocytes do not regenerate the epithelium.
D. In the limbus at the corneoscleral junction (correct)
Correct. The limbus houses the stem cells that replenish corneal epithelium.

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.

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, In the limbus at the corneoscleral junction. Stem cells of the corneal epithelium are located in the basal layer of the limbus, the transition between cornea and sclera.

Why is "In the endothelium of the posterior cornea" not the answer?

Corneal endothelium has very limited regenerative capacity.

Why is "In the lens epithelium" not the answer?

Lens epithelium relates to the lens and not to the cornea.

Why is "In the central corneal stroma" not the answer?

The stromal keratocytes do not regenerate the epithelium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: limbal stem cells in Pathology. Their loss, as after chemical burns, leads to conjunctival ingrowth and opacification. Many labile tissues similarly rely on defined stem cell niches such as the intestinal crypts and the hair follicle bulge.

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 Inflammation and repair: limbal stem cells?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.