Which of the following cells of the body are in almost constant mitosis?

GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: GMCH Chandigarh - 2022

Explanation

Stomach cells are part of the gastrointestinal epithelium, which is classified as a labile tissue.
Labile tissues are characterized by cells that are continuously dividing and being replaced.
The harsh, acidic environment of the stomach causes rapid cell loss, necessitating constant mitosis to renew the stomach lining approximately every 3-5 days.
This high rate of proliferation places stomach cells in the category of being in 'almost constant mitosis'.

Option A: Nerve cells (neurons) are classified as permanent cells. They are terminally differentiated and lose the ability to undergo mitosis shortly after birth.
Option C: Most muscle cells (skeletal and cardiac) are permanent cells and do not divide. Smooth muscle cells are stable, meaning they only divide in response to injury, not constantly.
Option D: Renal (kidney) cells are stable cells. They have a very low rate of turnover and only undergo mitosis to a significant degree when repairing damage.

Visual 1: Diagram: A chart illustrating the three types of cell populations (labile, stable, permanent) with examples of each and their location in the cell cycle (G0 for stable/permanent, continuous cycling for labile).
Visual 2: Infographic: A visual showing the lining of the stomach with arrows depicting the process of cell shedding from the surface and new cell generation from stem cells at the base of the gastric pits.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cellular division (mitosis) and tissue types based on regenerative capacity (labile, stable, permanent) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding cell turnover is critical for oncology nursing. Tissues with high mitotic rates (labile tissues like the GI tract, hair follicles, bone marrow) are most affected by chemotherapy and radiation, leading to common side effects like mucositis, alopecia, and myelosuppression.
Nurses must provide specific care for these side effects, such as gentle oral hygiene for mucositis, nutritional support for gastritis/diarrhea, and infection prevention for myelosuppression.
What if the patient is taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)? PPIs reduce stomach acid, which can lessen the damage to the gastric mucosa. While this doesn't stop the natural cell turnover, it can help protect the lining, especially in patients at risk for gastritis or ulcers, and may mitigate some GI side effects during chemotherapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'constant mitosis'. This points to cells that divide continuously.
Recall the classification of body cells based on their regenerative capacity: labile, stable, and permanent.
Associate 'constant mitosis' with labile cells.
Evaluate each option: Nerve and most muscle cells are permanent (no mitosis). Renal cells are stable (mitosis only on injury).
Identify stomach cells as part of the gastrointestinal epithelium, a classic example of a labile tissue that undergoes constant renewal.
Therefore, conclude that stomach cells are the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Cellular division (mitosis) and tissue types based on regenerative capacity (labile, stable, permanent).
Stem keywords: cells, constant mitosis
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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