Question:

A granuloma is composed of
(A) Fused macrophages (giant cells)
(B) Epithelioid cells
(C) A mixture of chronic inflammatory cells
(D) Fibroblasts
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

A classic granuloma is structured like an onion: the target pathogen is in the center, wrapped by epithelioid and giant cells (A, B), surrounded by lymphocytes (C), and finally sealed by a outer fibrous wall of fibroblasts (D).
  • (A), (B) and (D) only.
  • (A), (B) and (C) only.
  • (A), (B), (C) and (D).
  • (B), (C) and (D) only.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A granuloma is a specific histological structure formed during granulomatous inflammation, which is a specialized form of chronic inflammation.
It represents a cellular attempt by the host's immune system to wall off and contain persistent, indigestible foreign agents or pathogens.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the cellular components that comprise a mature chronic granuloma:
- Epithelioid cells (B): These are modified macrophages that have abundant cytoplasm, resembling epithelial cells. They are the key hallmark of any granuloma, specializing in secretory rather than phagocytic functions.
- Fused macrophages Giant cells (A): When macrophages are unable to digest a foreign agent individually, they fuse to form multinucleated giant cells (such as Langhans giant cells in tuberculosis or foreign body giant cells around sutures).
- Chronic inflammatory cells (C): A classic rim of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and occasionally macrophages surrounds the central core of epithelioid cells to coordinate the localized immune response.
- Fibroblasts (D): As the granuloma matures, fibroblasts lay down a capsule of collagen fibers around the inflammatory focus to encapsulate and isolate the pathogen from surrounding healthy tissue.
Thus, all four components—fused macrophages, epithelioid cells, chronic inflammatory cells, and fibroblasts—are essential parts of a fully developed granuloma.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The correct combination is (A), (B), (C), and (D), which corresponds to option (C).
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