Which of the following cells line the sinusoids and are responsible for cleansing the blood?

Correct option is A

Sol. Phagocytic Kupffer cells are specialized macrophages located in the liver sinusoids. They play a crucial role in filtering the blood by removing pathogens, dead cells, and toxins. These cells are part of the mononuclear phagocyte system and are essential for immune defense and detoxification in the liver.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Phagocytic Kupffer cells – Correct answer. These liver-resident macrophages line the sinusoids and help cleanse the blood by engulfing and breaking down bacteria, dead cells, and toxins. Kupffer cells are essential for liver homeostasis and immune surveillance.
· (b) Hepatocytes – Incorrect. Hepatocytes are the primary functional cells of the liver responsible for metabolism, detoxification, and bile production. They do not function as phagocytes or play a direct role in blood filtration.
· (c) Cytotoxic T cells – Incorrect. These immune cells destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells by releasing cytotoxic granules. While important for immune defense, they do not line the sinusoids or cleanse the blood.
· (d) Astrocytes – Incorrect. Astrocytes are star-shaped glial cells found in the central nervous system, responsible for maintaining the blood-brain barrier and supporting neurons. They are unrelated to blood cleansing in the liver.