General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1441: Barr bodies are seen in which of the following conditions?

A. 46 XY
B. Klinefelter's syndrome (Correct Answer)
C. Testicular feminization syndrome
D. Turner's syndrome

Explanation: ***Klinefelter's syndrome*** - Individuals with **Klinefelter's syndrome** have a **47, XXY karyotype**, meaning they have two X chromosomes. - One of these X chromosomes undergoes **X-inactivation** to form a Barr body, which is a condensed, inactive X chromosome [1]. *Turners syndrome* - Individuals with **Turner's syndrome** typically have a **45, XO karyotype**, meaning they have only one X chromosome [1]. - Since they lack a second X chromosome, they do not form a **Barr body**. *Testicular feminization syndrome* - Individuals with **testicular feminization syndrome** (now known as **Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome**) have a **46, XY karyotype**. - As they have only one X chromosome, they do not form a **Barr body**. *46 XY* - A **46, XY karyotype** represents a typical male, meaning they have one X and one Y chromosome. - Since they have only one X chromosome, they do not form a **Barr body**. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 173-174.

Question 1442: Both hyperplasia and hypertrophy are found in?

A. Pregnancy uterus (Correct Answer)
B. Cardiac muscle in cardiomegaly
C. Skeletal muscle in athlete
D. Breast development in puberty

Explanation: ***Pregnancy uterus*** [1][2][3] - During pregnancy, the uterus undergoes both **hyperplasia** (increase in cell number) and **hypertrophy** (increase in cell size) to accommodate the growing fetus [2]. - Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased **estrogen**, stimulate these processes significantly [1]. *Breast development in puberty* - Primarily involves **hyperplasia** of the glandular tissues, but **hypertrophy** is not predominant at this stage. - Breast development at puberty is driven mainly by **hormonal stimulation**, not both processes. *Cardiac muscle in cardiomegaly* - In this condition, **hypertrophy** is the dominant feature due to the increased workload on the heart, rather than **hyperplasia**. - Cardiac muscle cells (myocytes) generally do not undergo hyperplasia as they are terminally differentiated cells. *Skeletal muscle in athlete* - **Hypertrophy** occurs due to resistance training, leading to increased muscle fiber size, but **hyperplasia** is less evident or controversial in this context. - The adaptation to exercise primarily involves muscle remodeling rather than an increase in the number of muscle fibers. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 85-87. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 45-46. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 87-88.

Question 1443: Which of the following conditions is most commonly associated with significant accumulation of lipofuscin in neurons?

A. Normal aging (Correct Answer)
B. Acute myocardial infarction
C. Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses
D. Vitamin E deficiency

Explanation: ***Severe malnutrition*** - In severe malnutrition, there is an increase in **lipofuscin deposits** due to oxidative stress and cellular degradation, leading to enhanced accumulation [1]. - **Lipofuscin** is known as the "wear and tear" pigment, which results from the breakdown of cells under such inadequate nutritional states [1]. *Gaucher's disease* - Characterized by the accumulation of **glucocerebrosides**, not lipofuscin, due to enzyme deficiency (glucocerebrosidase) [2]. - Common findings include **splenomegaly** and skeletal abnormalities rather than the high levels of lipofuscin. *Acute Enteric fever* - This condition primarily causes systemic symptoms due to bacterial infection, not significant deposits of lipofuscin. - Infections may lead to cellular injury but do not have **lipofuscin** as a hallmark feature. *Tay Sachs disease* - A genetic disorder leading to the accumulation of **GM2 gangliosides** due to hexosaminidase deficiency, not lipofuscin [2]. - Patients present with **neurological deficits** and cherry-red spots in the retina, unrelated to lipofuscin deposits. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, p. 75. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 159-161.

Question 1444: Apoptosis is characterized by all of the following except which of the following?

A. Chromatin condensation
B. Cell shrinkage
C. DNA fragmentation
D. Cell proliferation (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Inflammation*** - Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that **does not induce inflammation**, contrasting with necrosis, which does [1]. - It is characterized by its **clean uptake** by surrounding cells without eliciting an immune response [1]. *DNA fragmentation* - A hallmark of apoptosis, where **DNA is cleaved** into smaller fragments as part of the intrinsic cell death pathway [2]. - This fragmentation can be detected via techniques such as **agarose gel electrophoresis**. *Cell shrinkage* - In apoptosis, cells exhibit **shrinkage**, also known as **pyknosis**, as they lose their volume and adopt a condensed morphology. - This shrinkage is due to changes in the cytoskeleton and loss of intracellular water. *Chromatin condensation* - One of the early features of apoptosis is **chromatin condensation**, which leads to the formation of dense nuclear material [3]. - This process is part of the typical morphology seen during programmed cell death. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 67-69. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 64-65. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 80-81.

Question 1445: All of the following changes are seen in the nucleus of necrotic cells, EXCEPT:

A. Karyolysis
B. Pyknosis
C. Karyorrhexis
D. Myelin figures (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Correct Answer: Myelin figures*** - **Myelin figures** are aggregates of phospholipids that arise from damaged or degraded cell membranes, not from nuclear changes [1]. - They are a classic morphological feature of **necrotic cytoplasm**, indicating cell membrane injury [1]. - Since the question asks for changes NOT seen in the nucleus, myelin figures is the correct answer. *Incorrect: Pyknosis* - **Pyknosis** is characterized by nuclear shrinkage and increased basophilia due to chromatin condensation [1]. - It is an early sign of irreversible nuclear damage in **necrotic cells** [1]. - This is a **nuclear change**, so it does not answer an EXCEPT question about nuclear changes. *Incorrect: Karyolysis* - **Karyolysis** refers to the dissolution of the nucleus, where basophilia fades due to enzymatic degradation of DNA [1]. - This stage follows pyknosis and indicates extensive nuclear destruction in **necrotic cells** [1]. - This is a **nuclear change**, so it does not answer an EXCEPT question about nuclear changes. *Incorrect: Karyorrhexis* - **Karyorrhexis** is the fragmentation of the pyknotic or partially lysed nucleus into several smaller, dense chromatin aggregates [1]. - It represents another form of nuclear degradation seen in **necrotic cells** before complete dissolution [1]. - This is a **nuclear change**, so it does not answer an EXCEPT question about nuclear changes. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, p. 53.

Question 1446: All are features of irreversible injury of a cell, except?

A. Blebs
B. Cellular swelling (Correct Answer)
C. Amorphous densities in mitochondrial matrix
D. Loss of microvilli

Explanation: ***Amorphous densities in mitochondrial matrix*** - This is typically associated with **irreversible cell injury**, indicating **mitochondrial dysfunction** [1]. - **Irreversible changes** often entail permanent damage that can lead to cell death, differentiating it from reversible injury features [1]. *Loss of microvilli* - Loss of microvilli is a sign of cellular injury but is often **reversible** in functionality [1]. - It indicates **cellular stress** rather than irreversible damage, allowing recovery if the stress is removed [1]. *Blebs* - Blebs are protrusions on the cell membrane seen in **early cell injury** and can be resolved with **restoration of normal cell function** [1]. - They are generally a **reversible sign** and do not indicate a final stage of damage [1]. *Cellular swelling* - Cellular swelling is a hallmark of **reversible injury**, representing an increase in intracellular water due to functional disturbance [1]. - This feature can often be reversed if the underlying cause of injury is removed, allowing the cell to return to normal size and function [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 51-62.

Question 1447: Lipid peroxidation is a cause of aging and injury to cells. This statement is explained by which theory?

A. Apoptosis theory
B. Enzyme cascade theory
C. Cell destruction theory
D. Free radical theory (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Free radical theory*** - The **free radical theory of aging** suggests that accumulated **lipid peroxidation** by-products contribute significantly to cellular damage and aging [1][2]. - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage biomolecules, leading to cell death and dysfunction, closely linking it to the aging process [2]. *Enzyme cascade theory* - This theory relates to **signal transduction** and **enzymatic reactions** rather than directly linking to **lipid peroxidation** and cellular injury. - It does not significantly explain the oxidative stress phenomenon or its impact on aging. *Apoptosis theory* - Focuses on **programmed cell death** as a mechanism for aging but does not specifically account for the role of **lipid peroxidation**. - While apoptosis is a process related to aging, it is not the primary cause of cellular injury associated with free radicals. *Cell destruction theory* - This theory broadly discusses cell loss but lacks a direct connection to the mechanisms of **lipid peroxidation** and oxidative damage. - It does not encompass the **biochemical processes** involving free radicals known to accelerate aging. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 100-101. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 59-60.

Question 1448: Which of the following is the characteristic of irreversible injury on electron microscopy?

A. Amorphous densities in mitochondria (Correct Answer)
B. Cell swelling
C. Disruption of ribosomes
D. Swelling of Endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation: ***Amorphous densities in mitochondria*** - Characteristic of irreversible injury, indicating **mitochondrial damage** and dysfunction [1]. - Presence of **electron-dense** deposits suggests cell death processes [1]. *Disruption of ribosomes* - Ribosomal disruption is more associated with **reversible injury**, not a definitive indicator of irreversible changes. - Typically, it occurs in response to **cell stress**, which may not lead to cell death. *Swelling of Endoplasmic reticulum* - Endoplasmic reticulum swelling is indicative of **cellular stress** but is often a feature of **reversible injury** rather than irreversible. - It reflects an adaptation to stress rather than definitive cell death. *Cell swelling* - Cell swelling indicates early **reversible injury** as cells attempt to maintain homeostasis. - Typically seen in initial stages of injury, it does not indicate irreversible damage. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Cellular Responses to Stress and Toxic Insults: Adaptation, Injury, and Death, pp. 53-55.

Question 1449: Splenic macrophages in Gaucher's disease differ from those in ceroid histiocytosis by staining positive for which of the following?

A. Iron
B. PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) (Correct Answer)
C. Glucocerebrosides
D. Acid-fast stain

Explanation: ***Lipids*** - In Gaucher's disease, splenic macrophages (Gaucher cells) show a characteristic **accumulation of lipids** due to glucocerebrosidase deficiency [1]. - They stain positively for **lipid materials**, which is a key distinguishing feature from ceroid histiocytosis [1]. *Iron* - Staining for **iron** is characteristic of hemosiderin deposition, which is not a feature of Gaucher's disease macrophages. - **Ceroid histiocytosis** typically involves iron accumulation, not lipid accumulation. *Acid fast stain* - An **acid-fast stain** is used to identify mycobacterial infections, which is not relevant to Gaucher's disease or its macrophages. - This stain does not indicate lipid storage, making it unsuitable for differentiating Gaucher's disease. *Phospholipids* - While **phospholipids** are components of cellular membranes, they do not specifically accumulate in Gaucher's disease like the derived lipids do. - Gaucher's disease is primarily characterized by the presence of **glucocerebroside**, rather than phospholipids [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 162-163.

Question 1450: What is hyperplasia?

A. Decrease in cell size
B. Increase in cell size
C. Replacement of one cell type by another
D. Increase in cell number (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Increase in cell size*** - Refers to the condition where individual **cells enlarge**, which is more accurately termed **hypertrophy**, not hyperplasia [1]. - **Hyperplasia** actually pertains to an increase in the **number of cells** due to cellular division [1]. *Decrease in cell number* - This indicates **atrophy**, which is the process of cell number reduction rather than an increase. - Hyperplasia is specifically defined by an **increase**, not a decrease, in cells [1]. *Decrease in cell size* - This also describes **atrophy**, marking a reduction in cell size rather than representing hyperplasia. - Hyperplasia involves an **increase** in the quantity of cells, not a decrease in size [1]. *Increase in cell number* - This is the correct definition of **hyperplasia** [1]; however, it was incorrectly matched to an increase in size in this context. - Hyperplasia is characterized by **increased cellular proliferation** rather than merely the size of existing cells [1]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 85-88.

Practice by Chapter

Cell Injury and Cell Death

Practice Questions

Adaptations of Cellular Growth

Practice Questions

Accumulations and Deposits

Practice Questions

Acute and Chronic Inflammation

Practice Questions

Tissue Repair and Wound Healing

Practice Questions

Hemodynamic Disorders

Practice Questions

Genetic Disorders

Practice Questions

Environmental Pathology

Practice Questions

Nutritional Diseases

Practice Questions

Molecular Basis of Disease

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free