National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Which type of tissue requires satellite cells to proliferate for proper healing?

1. Muscle

2. Bone

3. Tendon

4. Ligament

The correct answer is: Muscle

Muscle tissue is unique in its ability to repair and regenerate due to the presence of satellite cells, which are a type of stem cell located between the basal lamina and the muscle fiber membrane. When muscle tissue is damaged, these satellite cells become activated and begin to proliferate, forming new muscle fibers as well as repairing existing ones. This regenerative capacity is crucial for muscle healing, particularly in cases of injury or strain, where there is a need for restoration of muscle function and integrity. In contrast, bone tissue has its own specific healing mechanisms primarily involving osteoblasts and osteoclasts for remodeling and repair, and it does not rely on the same type of cellular proliferation facilitated by satellite cells. Similarly, tendon and ligament tissues have limited regenerative abilities and typically heal through a more fibrous connective tissue repair process, with a lesser role for satellite cells. Therefore, muscle tissue is the only type among the options presented that actively depends on satellite cells for effective healing and regeneration.