American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

Endogenous pigments are those that are produced within the body, typically as a result of metabolic processes or pathological conditions. In the options provided, hemoglobin, hemosiderin, and bile are all substances produced by the body itself. Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment found in red blood cells, synthesized within the bone marrow. Hemosiderin is a storage form of iron that accumulates in various tissues when iron levels are excessive. Bile is produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in digestion, specifically in the emulsification of fats. On the other hand, anthracotic pigment is not produced by the body but rather is a type of exogenous pigment. It consists of carbon particles inhaled into the lungs, often associated with exposure to air pollution or coal dust. This distinction makes anthracotic the correct answer as it does not fit the definition of an endogenous pigment.