NBME Histology Practice Test

Pancreatic acinar cells secrete digestive enzymes. What is a characteristic cytoplasmic feature of these cells?

Large lipid droplets Abundant mitochondria with basophilic cytoplasm and no granules Eosinophilic cytoplasm with perinuclear clear area Basally located nuclei with basophilic cytoplasm and apical zymogen granules

Correct Answer:

Basally located nuclei with basophilic cytoplasm and apical zymogen granules

Explanation:

Pancreatic acinar cells are professional secretory cells of the exocrine pancreas. They synthesize large amounts of digestive enzyme precursors and package them into membrane-bound zymogen granules that sit at the apical part of the cell, ready to be released into the duct system. To support this heavy protein production, these cells have abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, which makes the cytoplasm appear basophilic on staining. The nucleus is typically located toward the base of the cell, which leaves room for the busy apical region filled with secretory granules. This combination—basally located nuclei, basophilic cytoplasm from the rough ER, and apical zymogen granules—best matches the characteristic cytoplasmic feature of pancreatic acinar cells.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to NBME Histology Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions