Cell injury and adaptation: acquired pigmentation: 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 · Cell injury and adaptation: acquired pigmentation

Sample item

A retired coal miner has a blackened lung and hilar nodes. Macrophages laden with black granules are seen along lymphatics. Which pigment is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Inhaled carbon (anthracotic pigment)

Anthracosis is the accumulation of inhaled carbon in alveolar macrophages, which carry it to lymphatics and regional nodes. It is usually harmless unless combined with dust that causes fibrosis, as in coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

Option by option

  • A. Inhaled carbon (anthracotic pigment) (correct)

    Correct. Black granules within macrophages in a coal miner are inhaled carbon.

  • B. Melanin from melanocytes

    Melanin is made by melanocytes and does not arise from inhalation.

  • C. Haemosiderin from red cell breakdown

    Haemosiderin is golden-brown and stains with Prussian blue.

  • D. Lipofuscin from lipid peroxidation

    Lipofuscin is a brown wear-and-tear pigment in ageing heart, liver and brain.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Inhaled carbon (anthracotic pigment). Anthracosis is the accumulation of inhaled carbon in alveolar macrophages, which carry it to lymphatics and regional nodes.

Why is "Melanin from melanocytes" not the answer?

Melanin is made by melanocytes and does not arise from inhalation.

Why is "Haemosiderin from red cell breakdown" not the answer?

Haemosiderin is golden-brown and stains with Prussian blue.

Why is "Lipofuscin from lipid peroxidation" not the answer?

Lipofuscin is a brown wear-and-tear pigment in ageing heart, liver and brain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell injury and adaptation: acquired pigmentation in Pathology. It is usually harmless unless combined with dust that causes fibrosis, as in coal workers' pneumoconiosis.

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 Cell injury and adaptation: acquired pigmentation?

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.