Histology Practice Questions

Q: What type of tissue predominantly comprises the cervix?

Mainly collagen. The cervix is the lower, cylindrical portion of the uterus, but it differs significantly from the uterine body (corpus) in its histological composition. While the body of the uterus is primarily a muscular organ (myometrium), the **cervix is predominantly a fibrous organ.** [1] **1. Why "Mainly Collagen" is Correct:** The cervical stroma is composed of approximately **85–90% dense collagenous connective tissue**, with only about 10–15% smooth muscle. This high collagen content provides the structural integrity and "firmness" required to keep the cervix closed during pregnancy, supporting the weight of the growing fetus and the amniotic sac. [1] **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A (Mainly muscle fibers):** This describes the **uterine body**, where smooth muscle is essential for powerful contractions during labor [1]. In the cervix, muscle fibers are sparse and primarily located in the outer circumferential layer. * **Option C (Equal proportions):** This is histologically inaccurate. The transition from the muscular corpus to the fibrous cervix occurs at the internal os, where the muscle content drops sharply. **3. Clinical Pearls & High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Cervical Ripening:** During labor, the enzyme **collagenase** breaks down the collagen fibers. This biochemical change (not just muscle contraction) allows the cervix to become soft, thin (effacement), and dilate [2]. * **Epithelial Transition:** The ectocervix is lined by **stratified squamous epithelium**, while the endocervix is lined by **simple columnar epithelium**. The junction between them (Squamocolumnar Junction) is the most common site for cervical cancer. * **Consistency:** On clinical examination, the non-pregnant cervix feels firm (like the **tip of the nose**), whereas, during pregnancy, it softens (Goodell’s sign) due to increased vascularity and collagen remodeling.

Q: Aggrecan is a component of which of the following?

Important component of cartilage. **Explanation:** **Aggrecan** is the most abundant **proteoglycan** found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of **cartilage** (specifically hyaline and fibrocartilage) [1]. It consists of a core protein to which numerous glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains—primarily **chondroitin sulfate** and **keratan sulfate**—are covalently attached. These aggrecan molecules bind to a long strand of hyaluronic acid to form massive proteoglycan aggregates [1]. Due to its high negative charge, aggrecan attracts water, providing cartilage with its essential osmotic properties and the ability to resist compressive forces (load-bearing capacity) [1]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Option A:** Receptors on platelets are typically glycoproteins (e.g., GpIIb/IIIa or GpIb-IX-V), not large proteoglycans like aggrecan. * **Option B:** While osteoid (unmineralized bone matrix) contains proteoglycans, its primary components are Type I collagen and non-collagenous proteins like Osteocalcin and Osteopontin [2]. Aggrecan is specific to the cartilaginous matrix. * **Option C:** Leukocyte granules contain enzymes (like myeloperoxidase), histamine, or heparin (in basophils), but not aggrecan. **High-Yield Facts for NEET-PG:** * **Cartilage Composition:** Type II collagen provides tensile strength, while Aggrecan provides compressive strength [1]. * **Link Protein:** This protein stabilizes the interaction between the aggrecan core protein and hyaluronan. * **Clinical Correlation:** Degradation of aggrecan by enzymes known as **ADAMTS** (aggrecanases) is a hallmark of early **Osteoarthritis**. * **Marker:** Aggrecan is often used as a marker for chondrocyte differentiation in histology.

Q: What is the cell junction marked by the circle?

Zona adherens. ***Zona adherens*** - Part of the **apical junctional complex** located between zonula occludens and macula adherens, forming a **belt-like junction** around epithelial cells. - Contains **cadherin proteins** and **actin filaments** that provide mechanical strength and maintain cell-to-cell adhesion. *Fascia adherens* - Specific to **cardiac muscle cells** at intercalated discs, not found in typical epithelial tissues. - Functions to anchor **actin filaments** and transmit contractile forces between cardiomyocytes. *Macula adherens* - Also called **desmosomes**, these are **spot-like junctions** located more basally in the apical junctional complex. - Contain **desmosomal cadherins** and **intermediate filaments**, providing strong mechanical adhesion but appearing as discrete spots rather than continuous bands. *Zonula occludens* - The most **apical junction** in the terminal bar, also known as **tight junctions**. - Functions to create a **permeability barrier** and prevent paracellular transport, rather than primarily providing mechanical adhesion.

Question 1

What type of tissue predominantly comprises the cervix?

Accepted Answer

Mainly collagen

Answer

Mainly muscle fibers

Answer

Equal proportions of muscle and collagen

Answer

None of the above

Question 2

All the following statements are true regarding the pregnant and lactating breast, EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

There is an increase in the interlobular connective tissue

Answer

The terminal lobular units are most affected during pregnancy

Answer

Cuboidal luminal epithelial cells show vacuolization

Answer

Fat droplets occur in the cytoplasm of the epithelium

Question 3

Aggrecan is a component of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Important component of cartilage

Answer

Receptor over platelets

Answer

A molecule present in osteoid tissue

Answer

Granules in leukocytes

Question 4

What is the cell junction marked by the circle?

Accepted Answer

Zona adherens

Answer

Fascia adherens

Answer

Macula adherens

Answer

Zonula occludens

Question 5

Rhomboid major is supplied by which type of neuron?

Accepted Answer

Multipolar

Answer

Unipolar

Answer

Pseudounipolar

Answer

Bipolar

Histology — MCQs

Histology — MCQs

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