Histology Practice Questions

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.

Q: The area marked as $X$ is called:

Spiral canal of modiolus. ***Spiral canal of modiolus*** - The image shows a cross-section of the **organ of Corti** within the cochlea. Modiolus is the central bony pillar of the cochlea, and the **spiral canal of modiolus** contains the **spiral ganglion**, which consists of the cell bodies of the auditory nerve. The arrow points to a collection of neurons, clearly indicating this structure. - The spiral ganglion neurons receive input from the hair cells and transmit auditory information to the brain. *Endolymphatic sac* - The **endolymphatic sac** is located within the dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa and is involved in the absorption and regulation of **endolymph** fluid. - It is not depicted in this image, which focuses on the sensory structures of the **cochlea**. *Tunnel of Corti* - The **tunnel of Corti** is a triangular-shaped space within the organ of Corti, formed by the inner and outer pillar cells. It is filled with **cortilymph**. - While present in the organ of Corti, the area marked 'X' is clearly positioned to indicate the collection of **neuronal cell bodies** (ganglion) rather than this specific extracellular space. *Scala tympani* - The **scala tympani** is one of the three fluid-filled chambers of the cochlea, located below the basilar membrane. It contains **perilymph** and transmits sound vibrations. - The marked area 'X' indicates a cellular structure (spiral ganglion) within the modiolus, not a fluid-filled chamber of the cochlea.

Q: Which of the following layers has abundance of desmosomes? (AIIMS Nov 2017)

C. ***C*** - Layer C represents the **stratum spinosum** (prickle cell layer) of the epidermis, which is characterized by abundant **desmosomes**. - These desmosomes give the cells a **prickly appearance** when stained, as the cells shrink but the desmosomal attachments remain, pulling on the cell membranes. *A* - Layer A represents the **stratum corneum**, which is the outermost layer consisting of flattened, anucleated cells filled with **keratin**. - While desmosomes are present deeper in the epidermis, this layer is primarily involved in **protection** and shedding of dead cells. *B* - Layer B represents the **stratum granulosum**, characterized by cells containing **keratohyalin granules**. - These granules are precursors to keratin, and while desmosomes connect cells here, they are less prominent than in the stratum spinosum. *D* - Layer D represents the **stratum basale** (basal layer), which is the deepest epidermal layer of cuboidal or columnar cells. - These cells are responsible for **cell proliferation** and connect to the basement membrane via **hemidesmosomes**, and to each other via desmosomes, but not as abundantly as in the stratum spinosum.

Q: Which of the following layers contains Odland bodies?

B. ***B*** - The layer indicated by **B** is the **stratum granulosum**, which is characterized by the presence of **keratohyalin granules** and **Odland bodies** (lamellar bodies). - **Odland bodies** are crucial for forming the **epidermal water barrier** as they release lipids and enzymes into the intercellular space. *A* - The layer indicated by **A** is the **stratum corneum**, which consists of dead, flattened keratinocytes. - This layer is primarily involved in protection and does not contain Odland bodies, which are found in deeper layers. *C* - The layer indicated by **C** is the **stratum spinosum**, characterized by many **desmosomes** giving a "spiny" appearance. - While cells in this layer are metabolically active and produce keratin, Odland bodies primarily form and are extruded in the stratum granulosum. *D* - The layer indicated by **D** is the **stratum basale** (or stratum germinativum), the deepest layer of the epidermis. - This layer contains **stem cells** that are constantly dividing to replenish the epidermal layers and is also where melanocytes are located; it does not contain Odland bodies.

Question 1

Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

White fibrocartilage

Question 2

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 3

Identify the type of cartilage shown in the figure:

Accepted Answer

Hyaline cartilage

Answer

Elastic cartilage

Answer

Fibrocartilage

Answer

White fibrocartilage

Question 4

Which of the following has holocrine secretion?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous gland

Answer

Salivary gland

Answer

Mammary gland

Answer

Sweat gland

Question 5

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 6

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 7

The cells marked as $X$ are called:

Accepted Answer

Supporting cells

Answer

Olfactory receptor neurons

Answer

Bowman's glands

Answer

Basal cells

Question 8

The area marked as $X$ is called:

Accepted Answer

Spiral canal of modiolus

Answer

Endolymphatic sac

Answer

Tunnel of Corti

Answer

Scala tympani

Question 9

Which of the following layers has abundance of desmosomes? (AIIMS Nov 2017)

Accepted Answer

C

Answer

A

Answer

B

Answer

D

Question 10

Which of the following layers contains Odland bodies?

Accepted Answer

B

Answer

A

Answer

C

Answer

D

Histology — MCQs

Histology — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?