Histology Practice Questions

Q: The image shows:

Skeletal muscle. ***Skeletal muscle*** - The image clearly displays **striations** (alternating light and dark bands) and **multinucleated cells** with peripherally located nuclei, which are characteristic features of skeletal muscle tissue. - Skeletal muscle fibers are also typically **long and unbranched**, as seen in the linear arrangement in the image. *Cardiac muscle* - Cardiac muscle also exhibits striations, but it is characterized by **branched fibers** and the presence of **intercalated discs**, neither of which are visible here. - Cardiac muscle cells are typically uni- or binucleated, with centrally located nuclei. *Smooth muscle* - Smooth muscle tissue lacks striations and is composed of **spindle-shaped cells** with a single, centrally located nucleus. - It does not present the organized, linear fascicles seen in the image. *Compact bone* - Compact bone tissue is characterized by **osteons** (Haversian systems) with central canals, lacunae containing osteocytes, and lamellae, which are entirely different from the cellular structure shown. - Bone tissue is **rigid and calcified**, unlike the contractile tissue depicted.

Q: The image shows presence of:

Fibrocartilage. ***Fibrocartilage*** - The image displays characteristic features of fibrocartilage, including visible bundles of **collagen fibers** (appearing wavy and somewhat disorganized) interspersed with **chondrocytes** residing in lacunae. - The arrangement and presence of abundant collagen make it suitable for locations requiring robust **tensile strength** and **shock absorption**, such as intervertebral discs and menisci. *Compact bone* - Compact bone would typically show **Haversian systems (osteons)** with concentric lamellae surrounding a central canal, which are not evident in this image. - The cellular components, **osteocytes**, would be found within lacunae, but the overall matrix and organization are distinct from cartilage. *Hyaline cartilage* - Hyaline cartilage has a **smooth, glassy matrix** with very fine collagen fibers that are not usually visible under light microscopy, unlike the distinct bundles seen here. - Chondrocytes in hyaline cartilage often appear in **isogenous groups** (clusters of cells), which are not prominently featured in this image. *Myositis ossificans* - **Myositis ossificans** is a condition where bone forms within muscle tissue, typically following trauma, and would show mature or immature bone tissue, not cartilage. - Histologically, it would present with **osteoid formation** and calcification within muscle, along with inflammatory cells, which are absent in this image.

Q: Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Fibrocartilage. ***Fibrocartilage*** - The image exhibits **dense, wavy bundles of collagen fibers** interspersed with chondrocytes in lacunae, which is characteristic of fibrocartilage. - This type of cartilage is found in structures requiring high tensile strength and shock absorption, such as **intervertebral discs** and **menisci**. *Hyaline cartilage* - Characterized by a **glassy, translucent matrix** with chondrocytes typically arranged in isogenous groups. - It lacks the prominent collagen fiber bundles seen in the image. *Elastic cartilage* - Contains a dense network of **elastic fibers** in addition to collagen, giving it flexibility. - This would appear as a more branched, darker network within the matrix compared to the thick, wavy collagen bundles shown. *Calcified cartilage* - Represents a **transitional zone** where cartilage matrix becomes mineralized during endochondral ossification. - While it contains calcium deposits, it retains the basic cartilage structure but is not classified as a primary cartilage type alongside hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage.

Q: Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Hyaline cartilage. ***Hyaline cartilage*** - This image displays a relatively **homogeneous, glassy matrix** with chondrocytes typically arranged in **isogenous groups** (clusters), which are characteristic features of hyaline cartilage. - The appearance of the matrix is generally smooth and devoid of prominent fibers, distinguishing it from other types of cartilage. *Elastic cartilage* - Would show a matrix rich in **elastic fibers**, which would appear as dark, branching threads within the matrix, giving it a more fibrous and less homogeneous appearance. - Typically found in structures requiring flexibility, such as the **external ear** and epiglottis. *Fibrocartilage* - Characterized by abundant, coarse bundles of **collagen fibers** interspersed with chondrocytes, giving it a highly organized, wavy, and fibrous appearance. - Often found in areas subjected to high pressure and tensile strength, such as **intervertebral discs** and menisci. *White fibrocartilage* - This is an older terminology sometimes used interchangeably with **fibrocartilage** itself, not a separate distinct type. - The three recognized histological types of cartilage are: **hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage** based on their matrix composition and structural properties.

Q: All are true about the cartilage shown in the figure except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Present in intervertebral disks. ***Present in intervertebral disks*** ✓ Correct Answer (FALSE Statement) - The image shows **hyaline cartilage**, characterized by isolated chondrocytes (or in isogenous groups) within lacunae and a homogenous, glassy matrix. - **Intervertebral discs** are primarily composed of **fibrocartilage** (annulus fibrosus) with a gelatinous nucleus pulposus, NOT hyaline cartilage. - This is the **FALSE statement**, making it the correct answer to this "EXCEPT" question. *Hyaline cartilage with chondrocytes in lacunae* (TRUE Statement) - This statement is **true** about the cartilage shown. - The image clearly depicts **chondrocytes** residing within small spaces called **lacunae** embedded in an extracellular matrix [1]. - The matrix around the chondrocytes appears relatively uniform, which is characteristic of **hyaline cartilage**. *Ossifies with ageing* (TRUE Statement) - This is **true** for hyaline cartilage, especially articular cartilage and the cartilage of the nasal septum, larynx, and trachea. - Over time, in a process known as **endochondral ossification**, hyaline cartilage can be replaced by bone, leading to a decrease in flexibility [1]. *Most abundant cartilage in body* (TRUE Statement) - This statement is **true**. **Hyaline cartilage** is the most prevalent type of cartilage in the human body. - It is found in various locations such as the **articular surfaces of joints**, the **trachea**, bronchi, larynx, costal cartilages, and the embryonic skeleton. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue Tumors, pp. 1195-1204.

Q: Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Hyaline cartilage. ***Hyaline cartilage*** - This image displays a relatively **homogenous, glassy matrix** with numerous chondrocytes housed in lacunae, which is characteristic of hyaline cartilage. - The absence of prominent fibers (like elastic fibers or thick collagen bundles) further supports the identification as hyaline cartilage, which is rich in fine **Type II collagen fibers**. *Elastic cartilage* - Elastic cartilage contains abundant **elastic fibers** in its matrix, which would appear as distinct, dark-staining fibers under appropriate staining (e.g., orcein or resorcin-fuchsin). - Its presence allows for more flexibility and elasticity, found in locations such as the **external ear** and **epiglottis**. *Fibrocartilage* - Fibrocartilage is characterized by a dense arrangement of **Type I collagen fibers** organized in thick bundles, often appearing as wavy or swirling patterns within the matrix. - It also contains fewer, more widely spaced chondrocytes than hyaline cartilage, and is typically found in structures needing high tensile strength, like **intervertebral discs** and **menisci**. *White fibrocartilage* - While "white fibrocartilage" is an older historical term sometimes used to describe fibrocartilage (due to its whitish appearance from dense collagen), it is **not a separate histological classification**. - Modern histology recognizes only three types of cartilage: hyaline, elastic, and fibrocartilage. The image shows the typical features of hyaline cartilage, not the dense collagen bundles characteristic of fibrocartilage.

Q: Which of the following has holocrine secretion?

Sebaceous gland. ***Sebaceous gland*** - Sebaceous glands use **holocrine secretion**, in which the **entire cell disintegrates** to release its secretory product (sebum) - Cells progressively accumulate lipid in the cytoplasm, undergo degeneration, and ultimately lyse completely to form the secretion - This is the **only example of holocrine secretion** in the human body - Histologically, sebaceous glands show large, pale, lipid-filled cells arranged in lobules with a central duct opening into the hair follicle *Sweat gland* - Eccrine sweat glands use **merocrine (eccrine) secretion** - Secretory product is released via **exocytosis** without any loss of cellular material - The cell remains fully intact after secretion *Salivary gland* - Salivary glands use **merocrine secretion** - Secretory granules (zymogen granules in serous cells) are released by exocytosis - No cellular material is lost during the secretion process *Mammary gland* - Mammary glands use **apocrine secretion** for lipid components - The apical portion of the cytoplasm containing lipid droplets is pinched off and released - Only part of the cell is lost, not the entire cell as in holocrine secretion

Q: Identify the type of connective tissue present in the area marked with the arrow.

Dense irregular. ***Dense irregular*** - The image shows bundles of **collagen fibers** arranged haphazardly in various directions, which is characteristic of dense irregular connective tissue. - This tissue type provides **strength and resistance to stress** from multiple directions, typical of the **dermis** of the skin or organ capsules. *Loose and irregular* - **Loose connective tissue** has a much higher proportion of ground substance and fewer, thinner, and loosely arranged fibers compared to what is shown in the image. - While it is also irregular, the **density of the collagen fibers** in the marked area is inconsistent with loose connective tissue. *Specialised* - **Specialized connective tissues** include cartilage, bone, blood, and adipose tissue, which have distinct cellular and extracellular matrix components not depicted here. - The tissue shown is primarily characterized by its fibrous composition, not specialized cells or matrix elements like those in bone or cartilage. *Dense regular* - **Dense regular connective tissue** is characterized by collagen fibers densely packed and arranged in parallel bundles, providing strength in one direction. - Examples include **tendons and ligaments**, which are not found in this arrangement beneath the epithelium as suggested by the image.

Q: Identify the marked layer in the given histological section.

Inner plexiform layer. ***Inner plexiform layer*** - The arrow points to a **synaptic layer** characterized by a dense network of **axons, dendrites**, and synapses between bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and ganglion cells. - This layer is distinguished by its **reticular appearance** and its position between the inner nuclear layer (nuclei of bipolar, amacrine, and horizontal cells) and the ganglion cell layer. *Outer plexiform layer* - This layer is located more externally in the retina, between the **outer nuclear layer** and the **inner nuclear layer**. - It is where photoreceptors (rods and cones) synapse with bipolar and horizontal cells. *Inner limiting layer* - The **innermost layer** of the retina, adjacent to the vitreous humor. - It is a thin, acellular membrane formed by the basal laminae of the Müller cells. *Outer limiting layer* - This layer is situated internally to the **photoreceptor layer** (rods and cones). - It is not a true membrane but rather a series of intercellular junctions (adherens junctions) between photoreceptor cells and Müller cells.

Q: The cells marked as $X$ are called:

Supporting cells. ***Supporting cells*** - The cells marked as 'X' in the image are the **supporting cells**, also known as **sustentacular cells**, which are essential components of the **olfactory epithelium**. - These cells provide **structural support**, **nourishment**, and **electrical insulation** to the olfactory receptor neurons. - They are **columnar cells** with apical microvilli and contain **lipid droplets** and **pigment granules**. *Olfactory receptor neurons* - These are the **bipolar sensory neurons** that detect odors, located between the supporting cells. - They have a **dendritic knob** with cilia extending into the mucus layer and an **axon** that projects through the cribriform plate. - Not the cells marked as 'X' in this image. *Basal cells* - These are **small, round stem cells** located at the base of the olfactory epithelium. - They serve as **progenitor cells** for regeneration of olfactory receptor neurons. - Located at a different position than the cells marked 'X'. *Bowman's glands* - These are **serous glands** located in the lamina propria beneath the olfactory epithelium. - They secrete **mucus** that dissolves odorants and facilitates olfaction. - These are glandular structures, not the epithelial cells marked in the image.

Question 1

The image shows:

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle

Answer

Cardiac muscle

Answer

Smooth muscle

Answer

Compact bone

Question 2

The image shows presence of:

Accepted Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

Compact bone

Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Myositis ossificans

Question 3

Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Accepted Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Calcified cartilage

Question 4

Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

White fibrocartilage

Question 5

All are true about the cartilage shown in the figure except: (Recent NEET Pattern 2016-17)

Accepted Answer

Present in intervertebral disks

Answer

Hyaline cartilage with chondrocytes in lacunae

Answer

Ossifies with ageing

Answer

Most abundant cartilage in body

Question 6

Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

White fibrocartilage

Question 7

Which of the following has holocrine secretion?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland

Answer

Salivary gland

Answer

Mammary gland

Answer

Sweat gland

Question 8

Identify the type of connective tissue present in the area marked with the arrow.

Accepted Answer

Dense irregular

Answer

Loose and irregular

Answer

Specialised

Answer

Dense regular

Question 9

Identify the marked layer in the given histological section.

Accepted Answer

Inner plexiform layer

Answer

Outer plexiform layer

Answer

Inner limiting layer

Answer

Outer limiting layer

Question 10

The cells marked as $X$ are called:

Accepted Answer

Supporting cells

Answer

Olfactory receptor neurons

Answer

Bowman's glands

Answer

Basal cells

Histology — MCQs

Histology — MCQs

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