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Pathology · single question

Multiple sclerosis (MS) involves which cells and what underlying pathological process?

  1. Microglia — vascular inflammation
  2. Schwann cells — bacterial demyelination
  3. Astrocytes — neurodegenerative scarring
  4. Oligodendrocytes — autoimmune demyelination
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Correct answer: D. Oligodendrocytes — autoimmune demyelination

  • A. ❌ Microglia are CNS immune mediators but not the defining cell type in MS pathology.
  • B. ❌ Schwann cells myelinate PNS (not CNS) neurons, and MS is not bacterial.
  • C. ❌ Astrocytes form glial scars in MS plaques but are not the primary target.
  • D. ✅ Correct. MS is an AUTOIMMUNE DEMYELINATING disease of the CNS. OLIGODENDROCYTES produce the myelin sheaths in the CNS. The immune system attacks oligodendrocyte-produced myelin, creating demyelinated plaques → impaired nerve conduction → MS symptoms.

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