Question

The form of macrophage lining the sinuses of liver is

• A. Microglial cell
• B. Histiocyte
• C. Kupffer cell
• D. Hepatocyte

Hint:

Remember the tissue-specific macrophage names: Liver = Kupffer cells; Brain = Microglia; Lung = Alveolar macrophages; Skin = Langerhans cells; Bone = Osteoclasts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The mononuclear phagocyte system consists of phagocytic cells located in various organs and tissues, derived from common myeloid progenitor cells.
While they share phagocytic capabilities, these cells differentiate into specialized tissue-resident macrophages with distinct morphologies and names based on their anatomical location.
Detailed Explanation:
Kupffer cells are specialized, resident macrophages of the liver.
They are located in the sinusoidal lumen, attached to the endothelial lining of the hepatic sinusoids.
In this position, they are exposed to portal blood flow, allowing them to phagocytose foreign particles, aged erythrocytes, immune complexes, and gut-derived bacterial endotoxins.
Let us review the other options:
- Microglial cells are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system.
- Histiocytes are tissue macrophages found in connective tissues.
- Hepatocytes are the parenchymal cells of the liver, representing epithelial cells, not immune-derived phagocytic cells.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The liver sinusoidal macrophages are Kupffer cells.