General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: What is the hairpin-shaped eosinophilic structure present in a radicular cyst?

Rushton bodies. **Explanation:** **Rushton bodies** (Option A) are the correct answer. These are unique, eosinophilic, calcified microscopic structures found within the epithelial lining of odontogenic cysts, most commonly the **Radicular cyst** [1]. They are characterized by their distinct morphology, often described as **hairpin-shaped**, linear, straight, or polycyclic. While their exact origin is debated, they are generally considered to be a secretory product of the odontogenic epithelium [1]. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Russell bodies (Option B):** These are eosinophilic, large, homogeneous immunoglobulin-containing inclusions found in the cytoplasm of **plasma cells** undergoing excessive synthesis of antibodies. They are associated with chronic inflammation (e.g., Rhinoscleroma) but do not have a "hairpin" shape and are not specific to odontogenic cyst epithelium. * **Option C and D:** These are incorrect as Rushton bodies and Russell bodies are distinct entities with different origins and morphologies. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Radicular Cyst:** The most common inflammatory odontogenic cyst, typically found at the apex of a non-vital tooth [1]. * **Histology of Radicular Cyst:** Look for stratified squamous epithelial lining, **Rushton bodies**, and "Cholesterol clefts" with associated giant cells in the fibrous capsule [1]. * **Differentiating "Bodies":** * **Rushton:** Odontogenic cysts (Hairpin/Linear). * **Russell:** Plasma cells (Immunoglobulins). * **Negri:** Rabies (Intracytoplasmic in neurons). * **Psammoma:** Papillary thyroid CA, Meningioma, Mesothelioma, Serous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary (Laminated calcifications). **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 741-742.

Q: Which of the following stains is used to study fungal morphology in tissue sections?

PAS. **Explanation:** **Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)** is the correct answer because it is one of the most widely used stains for demonstrating fungi in tissue sections. The underlying mechanism involves the oxidation of polysaccharides (specifically **chitin and glucan**) present in the fungal cell wall by periodic acid to form aldehydes. These aldehydes then react with the Schiff reagent to produce a brilliant **magenta/pink** color, making the fungal morphology clearly visible against the tissue background. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Von-Kossa Stain:** This is used specifically to detect **calcium deposits** (carbonates and phosphates) in tissues. It stains calcium black. * **Alizarin Red:** This is another specialized stain for **calcium**, often used to identify calcium oxalate crystals or bone mineralization. * **Masson’s Trichrome:** This is a connective tissue stain used to differentiate between **collagen fibers** (blue/green) and muscle/cytoplasm (red). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gomori Methenamine Silver (GMS):** This is considered the **best/gold standard** stain for fungi in histology. Fungi appear black against a green background. * **Mucicarmine:** Specifically used to identify ***Cryptococcus neoformans*** by staining its polysaccharide capsule bright red. * **India Ink:** Used for rapid identification of *Cryptococcus* in CSF (negative staining). * **Calcofluor White:** A fluorescent stain that binds to chitin; it is the most sensitive method for direct microscopic examination.

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT an example of physiological apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Graft versus host disease

Answer

Organogenesis

Answer

Hormonal dependent apoptosis

Answer

Selective death of lymphocytes

Question 2

What is the most common source of embolism?

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Infection

Answer

Surgery

Question 3

Which of the following is not an example of fibrinoid necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Pancreatitis

Answer

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)

Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer

Rheumatic fever

Question 4

What is the hairpin-shaped eosinophilic structure present in a radicular cyst?

Accepted Answer

Rushton bodies

Answer

Russell bodies

Answer

Both of the above

Answer

None of the above

Question 5

Which organ is most commonly associated with a red infarct?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Heart

Question 6

Pyogenic infection and brain infarction are associated with which type of necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Liquefaction necrosis

Answer

Coagulative necrosis

Answer

Caseous necrosis

Answer

Fat necrosis

Question 7

In a chronic smoker, bronchi showed stratified squamous cells with underlying glands. What type of change is this?

Accepted Answer

Metaplasia

Answer

Anaplasia

Answer

Dysplasia

Answer

Neoplasia

Question 8

All of the following are true about white infarcts except?

Accepted Answer

Edema is present

Answer

Occurs in organs with end arterial supply

Answer

Well defined margins

Answer

Coagulative necrosis

Question 9

Psammoma bodies may be seen in all of the following conditions, except:

Accepted Answer

Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid

Answer

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

Answer

Meningioma

Answer

Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary

Question 10

Which of the following stains is used to study fungal morphology in tissue sections?

Accepted Answer

PAS

Answer

Von-Kossa

Answer

Alizarin Red

Answer

Masson's Trichrome

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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