What deficiency is characterized by night blindness, poor wound healing, and follicular hyperkeratosis?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

The symptoms described—night blindness, poor wound healing, and follicular hyperkeratosis—are indicative of a deficiency in Vitamin A.

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining normal vision, particularly in low light conditions. It is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that enables the eye to adjust to darkness. Deficiency in Vitamin A can lead to night blindness, as the rod cells in the retina cannot function properly without sufficient amounts of this vitamin.

Additionally, Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy skin and mucous membranes. A deficiency can result in impaired wound healing, as it affects the processes that allow skin to repair itself. Follicular hyperkeratosis occurs when there is an accumulation of keratin at the hair follicles, leading to a bumpy texture on the skin. This is often seen in Vitamin A deficiency due to its role in skin cell turnover and differentiation.

These symptoms collectively point strongly to Vitamin A deficiency as the correct answer.

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