How does chronic inflammation appear histologically?

• A. Increased presence of neutrophils
• B. Presence of lymphocytes and plasma cells
• C. Absence of macrophages
• D. Increased vascular permeability

Answer: (B)

Chronic inflammation is characterized histologically by the presence of lymphocytes and plasma cells, which play crucial roles in the adaptive immune response. Unlike acute inflammation, which predominantly involves neutrophils, chronic inflammation typically shows a persistent infiltration of these specific immune cells indicating a prolonged inflammatory response.

Lymphocytes are key players in recognizing and responding to specific antigens, while plasma cells are differentiated B cells that produce antibodies. The accumulation of these cells in tissue suggests an ongoing immune reaction, often due to persistent infection, autoimmune diseases, or prolonged exposure to irritants.

Other choices reflect different aspects of the inflammatory process. For example, the presence of neutrophils is typical of acute inflammation rather than chronic. The absence of macrophages would be unusual, as they are often present in both acute and chronic inflammation due to their role in phagocytosis and signaling to other immune cells. Increased vascular permeability is more associated with acute inflammation, facilitating the movement of leukocytes and plasma proteins to the site of injury or infection.