Question

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about foam cells?

A. they promote plaque formation
B. they can cause blood clots in vessels
C. they are cells which contain fatty droplet deposits
D. they are cancerous

Answer 1

The statement that foam cells are cancerous is not true. These cells contribute to plaque formation in the arteries, causing atherosclerosis but they are not cancerous.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is NOT true about foam cells is D. they are cancerous. Foam cells are not cancerous but are inflammatory cells involved in the development of atherosclerosis. They originate from white blood cells known as macrophages that have consumed a large amount of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, leading to their characteristic foamy appearance. These cells promote plaque formation within the arteries, which can ultimately lead to blood clots and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Their role is significant in atherosclerosis, but they do not have cancerous properties.