Nerve and muscle: Schwann cell role in regeneration: practice question

A Physiology 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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Physiology · Nerve and muscle: Schwann cell role in regeneration

Sample item

After a clean transection of a peripheral nerve is surgically repaired, axons can regrow along the distal stump. Which cells chiefly provide the guiding channels (bands of Bungner) and growth factors for this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Schwann cells

After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells dedifferentiate, clear myelin with macrophages and line up as bands of Bungner secreting neurotrophic factors that guide regrowing axons. Central nervous system glia fail to support regeneration so effectively.

Option by option

  • A. Astrocytes

    Astrocytes form a glial scar after central injury.

  • B. Schwann cells (correct)

    Correct. Schwann cells form guidance channels and release growth factors.

  • C. Microglia

    Microglia act as central phagocytes but do not form guidance channels.

  • D. Oligodendrocytes

    Oligodendrocytes myelinate central axons and inhibit regrowth.

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 Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Schwann cells. After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells dedifferentiate, clear myelin with macrophages and line up as bands of Bungner secreting neurotrophic factors that guide regrowing axons.

Why is "Astrocytes" not the answer?

Astrocytes form a glial scar after central injury.

Why is "Microglia" not the answer?

Microglia act as central phagocytes but do not form guidance channels.

Why is "Oligodendrocytes" not the answer?

Oligodendrocytes myelinate central axons and inhibit regrowth.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nerve and muscle: Schwann cell role in regeneration in Physiology. Central nervous system glia fail to support regeneration so effectively.

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 Nerve and muscle: Schwann cell role in regeneration?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology 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.