Histology Practice Questions

Q: Cell bodies of Müller Cells are present in which layer of the retina?

Inner nuclear layer. ***Inner nuclear layer*** - The **Müller cell** is a type of retinal glial cell that extends across nearly the entire thickness of the retina. - Its **cell body** is located within the inner nuclear layer, positioning it to provide structural and metabolic support to surrounding neurons. *Outer nuclear layer* - This layer primarily contains the **cell bodies of the photoreceptor cells** (rods and cones). - While Müller cell processes extend through this layer, their somas are not located here. *Retinal pigment epithelium* - This is the **outermost layer of the retina**, responsible for nourishing photoreceptors and absorbing scattered light. - It is a distinct cell layer and does not contain the cell bodies of Müller cells. *Ganglion cell layer* - This layer contains the **cell bodies of the ganglion cells**, whose axons form the optic nerve. - Müller cell processes extend through this layer to the inner limiting membrane, but their cell bodies are located in the inner nuclear layer.

Q: Lining epithelium of vocal cord is

Stratified squamous epithelium. Stratified squamous epithelium - The true vocal cords are covered by stratified squamous epithelium to withstand the significant mechanical stress and vibration during phonation. - This type of epithelium provides protection against abrasion and physical forces associated with airflow and vocalization. Simple squamous epithelium - This type of epithelium is typically found in areas where a thin barrier for diffusion and filtration is required, such as the lining of blood vessels (endothelium) or lung alveoli. - It is not suited for areas experiencing significant mechanical stress, like the vocal cords, as it offers limited protection. Ciliated columnar epithelium - Ciliated columnar epithelium is characteristic of the respiratory tract (e.g., trachea, bronchi) where its cilia help to trap and clear foreign particles and mucus. - The true vocal cords do not have ciliated epithelium because cilia would interfere with precise vocal fold vibration and sound production. Non ciliated columnar epithelium - Non-ciliated columnar epithelium is found in regions such as the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., stomach, small intestine) where absorption and secretion are primary functions. - It does not provide the robust protection needed for high-stress areas like the vocal cords, nor does it serve a primary absorptive or secretory role in that location.

Q: Barr body is found in the following phase of the cell cycle:

Interphase. Interphase - A Barr body represents the inactivated X chromosome, which is visible as a condensed chromatin structure [1]. - This condensation and inactivation occur early in development and persist through interphase, making it observable during this non-dividing phase [1]. Metaphase - During metaphase, chromosomes are highly condensed and aligned at the metaphase plate, making individual Barr bodies difficult to distinguish from other condensed chromosomes. - The focus of metaphase is on chromosome alignment for segregation, not on individual inactive X chromosome structures. GI phase - The G1 phase is a part of interphase when the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication. - While the Barr body is present during G1, interphase is a more encompassing term that includes G1, S, and G2 phases, during all of which the Barr body is identifiable. Telophase - In telophase, the nuclear envelope reforms around newly separated chromosomes, and chromosomes begin to decondense. - While the inactive X chromosome is still present, it is less clearly defined as a distinct Barr body compared to the more stable interphase state.

Q: Which of the following chromosomes is classified as a Group D chromosome?

Chromosome 15. ***Chromosome 15*** - **Group D chromosomes** are characterized by their **medium size** and **acrocentric structure**, meaning the centromere is located very close to one end. - Chromosome 15 fits this description along with chromosomes 13 and 14. *Chromosome 3* - This is a **large metacentric chromosome**, meaning its centromere is located in the middle, and it belongs to **Group A**. - Its size and centromere position differentiate it from the acrocentric chromosomes of Group D. *Chromosome 6* - Chromosome 6 is a **medium-sized submetacentric chromosome**, with its centromere slightly off-center, placing it within **Group C**. - This group distinguishes itself from the acrocentric chromosomes of Group D. *Chromosome 12* - Chromosome 12 is also categorized as a **medium-sized submetacentric chromosome**, belonging to **Group C**. - Its centromere position is not near the telomere, unlike the acrocentric chromosomes of Group D.

Q: Which stain is used for staining the nucleus?

Hematoxylin. ***Hematoxylin*** - **Hematoxylin** is a basic dye that stains **acidic structures** like the **nucleic acids** (DNA and RNA) in the nucleus a **blue-purple** color. - It is extensively used in **histology and pathology** to visualize cell nuclei, making it a cornerstone of the **hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain**. *Safranin* - **Safranin** is a basic dye often used as a counterstain in some protocols and stains **collagen** and **mast cell granules** reddish-orange. - It is also used in bacteriology to stain gram-negative bacteria **red**. *Fast green* - **Fast green** is an acidic dye that stains **basic proteins** in the **cytoplasm and collagen** green or blue-green. - It is commonly used as a counterstain in plant histology or in combination with other dyes to highlight specific tissue components. *Erythrosine* - **Erythrosine** is a pink/red acidic dye used as a counterstain, primarily staining **protein-rich cytoplasm** and other basic structures pink. - It is less commonly used in routine histology compared to eosin, but can be found in some specialized staining methods.

Q: Stereocilia are present in?

Hair cells. ***Hair cells*** - **Stereocilia** are specialized **mechanosensing organelles** that extend from the apical surface of hair cells in the inner ear [1]. - They play a crucial role in hearing and balance by bending in response to **sound waves** or **head movements**, leading to the generation of electrical signals [1]. *Taste buds* - **Taste buds** contain **taste receptor cells** that have **microvilli**, not stereocilia, on their apical surfaces. - These **microvilli** are responsible for detecting chemical tastants. *Retina* - The **retina** contains **photoreceptor cells** (rods and cones) that are specialized for light detection. - These cells have **outer segments** filled with membranous discs containing **photopigments**, not stereocilia. *Nose* - The **olfactory epithelium** in the nose contains **olfactory receptor neurons** with **cilia** that project into the mucus layer. - These **cilia** bind to odorant molecules, initiating the sense of smell; they are distinct from stereocilia.

Q: Respiratory bronchioles are formed from?

Terminal bronchioles. ***Terminal bronchioles*** - **Terminal bronchioles** branch into several **respiratory bronchioles**, which are the smallest bronchioles involved in both conduction and gas exchange [1]. - They represent the transition zone where the respiratory portion of the lung begins, containing scattered **alveoli** buddings. *Principal bronchus* - The **principal (main) bronchi** are large airways that branch from the trachea and lead into the lungs; they are many generations removed from respiratory bronchioles [1]. - They are primarily involved in **air conduction** and contain cartilage, unlike the smaller, more distal airways. *Tertiary Bronchus* - **Tertiary (segmental) bronchi** branch from lobar bronchi and supply specific bronchopulmonary segments, still serving as **conducting airways**. - These bronchi are several branching generations proximal to the terminal and respiratory bronchioles. *Lobar bronchi* - **Lobar (secondary) bronchi** are formed from the principal bronchi and supply the lobes of the lungs; they are primarily involved in **conduction**. - They are much larger in diameter and structural complexity compared to the microscopic respiratory bronchioles.

Q: Which of the following is false about the liver?

The lobules in the liver are pentagonal.. The lobules in the liver are pentagonal. - This statement is false because the classical liver lobules are typically **hexagonal** [1], not pentagonal, in shape when viewed in cross-section. - The hexagonal arrangement is defined by the portal triads at the corners and a central vein in the middle [1]. *It is covered by Glisson's capsule* - The liver is indeed enveloped by **Glisson's capsule**, a thin but strong connective tissue layer. - This capsule provides structural integrity and protection to the liver parenchyma. *Kupffer cells are the defense cells.* - **Kupffer cells** are specialized macrophages located in the liver sinusoids, acting as the primary immune defense cells of the liver [1]. - They are responsible for phagocytosing pathogens, cellular debris, and old red blood cells. *Stellate cells are present in the space of Disse* - **Hepatic stellate cells** (also known as Ito cells) are found in the **space of Disse** [1], which is the perisinusoidal space between the hepatocytes and the sinusoidal endothelial cells [1]. - These cells are involved in vitamin A storage and, when activated, play a critical role in liver fibrosis.

Q: Stereocilia are found in?

Epididymis. ***Epididymis*** - **Stereocilia** are long, non-motile microvilli found on the epithelial cells of the **epididymis** and ductus deferens. - In the epididymis, they play a crucial role in **absorbing excess fluid** and secreting substances that contribute to sperm maturation and storage. - These are true stereocilia (modified microvilli), distinct from the stereocilia found in the inner ear hair cells [1] which are specialized for mechanosensation. *Eye* - The eye contains specialized photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) and various supporting cells, but it **does not contain stereocilia**. - Its sensory structures are designed for light detection, not for fluid absorption or mechanosensation in the way stereocilia function. [3] *Nose* - The nose contains **olfactory receptor neurons** with specialized cilia for detecting odors, and goblet cells, but it **does not contain stereocilia**. [2] - The cilia in the respiratory epithelium of the nose are primarily motile cilia involved in mucus clearance, not the non-motile stereocilia found in the epididymis. *Tongue* - The tongue is covered with **taste buds** for chemical sensation and has papillae that aid in food manipulation. - It contains **taste receptor cells** and various epithelial cells, but **no stereocilia**. [2]

Q: Which is the most abundant type of cartilage in the human body?

Hyaline cartilage. ***Hyaline cartilage*** - **Hyaline cartilage** is the most widely distributed type of cartilage in the human body, found in the **articular surfaces of joints**, nose, trachea, bronchi, laryngeal cartilages, costal cartilages, and most of the embryonic skeleton [1]. - Its **smooth surface** provides low-friction movement and structural support [1]. - It comprises the majority of cartilage mass in the body. *Elastic cartilage* - **Elastic cartilage** is characterized by a high proportion of **elastic fibers**, providing flexibility and elasticity. - It is found in specific locations like the **external ear (pinna)**, epiglottis, and cuneiform cartilages of the larynx. - Least abundant of the three main cartilage types. *Fibrocartilage* - **Fibrocartilage** contains abundant **collagen fibers (Type I)**, making it very strong and resistant to compression and tension. - It is present in structures requiring high tensile strength, such as **intervertebral discs**, menisci of the knee, and the pubic symphysis [2]. *Calcified cartilage* - **Calcified cartilage** is not a separate type but represents **hyaline cartilage undergoing calcification** during endochondral ossification [1], [2]. - It is a transitional form found at the junction between cartilage and bone in growing bones [3].

Question 1

Cell bodies of Müller Cells are present in which layer of the retina?

Accepted Answer

Inner nuclear layer

Answer

Outer nuclear layer

Answer

Retinal pigment epithelium

Answer

Ganglion cell layer

Question 2

Lining epithelium of vocal cord is

Accepted Answer

Stratified squamous epithelium

Answer

Ciliated columnar epithelium

Answer

Non ciliated columnar epithelium

Answer

Simple squamous epithelium

Question 3

Barr body is found in the following phase of the cell cycle:

Accepted Answer

Interphase

Answer

Metaphase

Answer

Telophase

Answer

G1 phase

Question 4

Which of the following chromosomes is classified as a Group D chromosome?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 15

Answer

Chromosome 3

Answer

Chromosome 6

Answer

Chromosome 12

Question 5

Which stain is used for staining the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

Hematoxylin

Answer

Safranin

Answer

Fast green

Answer

Erythrosine

Question 6

Stereocilia are present in?

Accepted Answer

Hair cells

Answer

Taste buds

Answer

Retina

Answer

Nose

Question 7

Respiratory bronchioles are formed from?

Accepted Answer

Terminal bronchioles

Answer

Principal bronchus

Answer

Tertiary Bronchus

Answer

Lobar bronchi

Question 8

Which of the following is false about the liver?

Accepted Answer

The lobules in the liver are pentagonal.

Answer

It is covered by Glisson's capsule

Answer

Kupffer cells are the defense cells.

Answer

Stellate cells are present in the space of Disse

Question 9

Stereocilia are found in?

Accepted Answer

Epididymis

Answer

Eye

Answer

Nose

Answer

Tongue

Question 10

Which is the most abundant type of cartilage in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Calcified cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Fibrocartilage

Histology — MCQs

Histology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?