Histology — MCQs
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Tyson's glands are:
Melanocytes are present in which of the following layers of the epidermis?
All cartilage is covered by perichondrium, except
Stratified squamous epithelium is seen at all the following sites except which of the following?
Corneal epithelium is composed of:
What type of epithelial lining is found on the lingual surface of the epiglottis?
Epithelial lining of the urinary bladder is?
Intracytoplasmic Nissl granules are found in?
Which substance is secreted by the cells of the stratum intermedium?
Which of the following statements about fibrous cartilage is true?
Histology Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 481: Tyson's glands are:
- A. Apocrine glands
- B. Holocrine glands (Correct Answer)
- C. Eccrine glands
- D. Endocrine glands
Explanation: Tyson's glands are: ***Holocrine glands*** - Tyson's glands, also known as **preputial glands**, are modified **sebaceous glands** found in the foreskin and coronal sulcus of the penis [2]. - As sebaceous glands, they release their entire cell contents along with the secretory product, which is characteristic of **holocrine secretion** [2]. *Apocrine glands* - **Apocrine glands** release secretions by budding off portions of the cell cytoplasm. - Examples include glands in the axilla and anogenital regions, which produce a milky fluid. *Eccrine glands* - **Eccrine glands** secrete substances directly onto the skin surface through exocytosis without any loss of cellular material [1]. - They are the most common type of **sweet gland** and are involved in thermoregulation [1]. *Endocrine glands* - **Endocrine glands** secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream. - They lack ducts and are distinct from exocrine glands like Tyson's glands, which release secretions onto an epithelial surface via a duct.
Question 482: Melanocytes are present in which of the following layers of the epidermis?
- A. Stratum Corneum
- B. Stratum Granulosum
- C. Stratum Basale (Correct Answer)
- D. Stratum Lucidum
Explanation: ***Stratum Basale*** - Melanocytes are found in the **stratum basale** (basal layer) of the epidermis, specifically at the epidermal-dermal junction [1]. - Their primary function is to produce **melanin**, a pigment that protects the skin from UV radiation [1]. *Stratum Corneum* - This is the **outermost layer** of the epidermis, consisting of dead, flattened keratinocytes [1]. - Its main function is to provide a **protective barrier** against the environment. *Stratum Granulosum* - This layer is characterized by cells containing **keratohyalin granules**, which are involved in the process of keratinization. - Melanocytes are not typically found in this layer; it is primarily composed of **keratinocytes in various stages of differentiation**. *Stratum Lucidum* - The stratum lucidum is a **clear, thin layer** found only in thickened skin such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. - It is composed of flattened, dead keratinocytes and lacks melanocytes.
Question 483: All cartilage is covered by perichondrium, except
- A. Hyaline
- B. Elastic
- C. Fibrocartilage (Correct Answer)
- D. All types of cartilage are covered by perichondrium.
Explanation: ***Fibrocartilage*** - **Fibrocartilage** completely lacks a perichondrium as a defining characteristic of this cartilage type. - This type of cartilage is found in structures like **intervertebral discs**, **pubic symphysis**, and **menisci**, where it provides strong support and shock absorption. - It merges imperceptibly with surrounding dense connective tissue without a distinct perichondrial covering. - Among all cartilage types, **fibrocartilage is the only type that NEVER has perichondrium**. *Hyaline* - Most **hyaline cartilage** (such as in the **trachea, bronchi, nose, larynx, and ribs**) is covered by a **perichondrium** that provides growth and nutrition. - **Important exception:** **Articular cartilage** (covering joint surfaces) lacks perichondrium because it receives nutrition from synovial fluid, but this is a specific exception within the hyaline category [1]. - Since hyaline cartilage CAN have perichondrium in most locations, it is not the best answer to this "except" question. *Elastic* - **Elastic cartilage**, found in structures such as the **external ear (auricle)** and **epiglottis**, is always surrounded by a **perichondrium**. - The perichondrium supports growth, provides nutrition, and aids in repair after injury. *All types of cartilage are covered by perichondrium* - This statement is **incorrect** because fibrocartilage never has a perichondrium. - Additionally, articular hyaline cartilage also lacks perichondrium, making this statement doubly false [1].
Question 484: Stratified squamous epithelium is seen at all the following sites except which of the following?
- A. Skin
- B. Vagina
- C. Esophagus
- D. Gall bladder (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Gall bladder*** - The **gallbladder** is lined by **simple columnar epithelium**, which is specialized for absorption and secretion, not protection against abrasion. - This type of epithelium allows for efficient concentration of bile and mucus secretion. *Skin* - The **epidermis** of the skin is composed of **keratinized stratified squamous epithelium**, which provides a tough, protective barrier against physical trauma, pathogens, and desiccation [1]. - This multi-layered structure is crucial for its role in external protection. *Vagina* - The **vagina** is lined by **non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium**, which offers protection against mechanical abrasion during intercourse and childbirth [2]. - The non-keratinized nature allows for a moist, flexible surface. *Esophagus* - The **esophagus** is lined by **non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium**, which protects against the abrasive passage of food boluses. - This protective lining prevents damage from swallowed food as it moves towards the stomach.
Question 485: Corneal epithelium is composed of:
- A. Stratified keratinized epithelium
- B. Stratified non-keratinized epithelium (Correct Answer)
- C. Columnar epithelium
- D. Pseudostratified epithelium
Explanation: ***Stratified non-keratinized epithelium*** - The **corneal epithelium** is composed of 5-7 layers of **non-keratinized squamous epithelial cells**, providing a smooth surface and protection without the need for keratinization [1]. - This type of epithelium is well-suited for its primary function of **light transmission** due to its transparency and lack of keratin [1]. *Stratified keratinized epithelium* - This type of epithelium, found in areas like the **skin epidermis**, contains **keratin**, which provides a tough, waterproof barrier. - **Keratinization** would interfere with the cornea's essential function of transparency and light transmission [1]. *Columnar epithelium* - **Columnar epithelium** is characterized by tall, column-shaped cells and is typically found in areas like the **gastrointestinal tract**, where absorption and secretion are primary functions. - It would not provide the necessary protective and transparent properties required for the cornea. *Pseudostratified epithelium* - **Pseudostratified epithelium** appears stratified but actually consists of a single layer of cells of varying heights, often found in the **respiratory tract** where it has cilia for moving mucus. - This cell arrangement lacks the clear layering and protective functions needed for the ocular surface.
Question 486: What type of epithelial lining is found on the lingual surface of the epiglottis?
- A. Simple Cuboidal Epithelium
- B. Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium
- C. Stratified Squamous Epithelium (Correct Answer)
- D. Simple Columnar Epithelium
Explanation: ***Stratified Squamous Epithelium*** - The **lingual surface** of the epiglottis is exposed to the **abrasive effects of food** during swallowing, requiring a protective, wear-and-tear resistant lining. - **Stratified squamous epithelium** (non-keratinized) provides this necessary protection due to its multiple layers of cells. - This is the same epithelium found in the **oral cavity and esophagus**, adapted for mechanical stress. *Simple Cuboidal Epithelium* - This type of epithelium is typically found in **glands and kidney tubules**, designed for secretion and absorption, not protection against abrasion. - It consists of a single layer of cube-shaped cells and would be inadequate for the mechanical stresses on the epiglottis. *Pseudostratified Ciliated Columnar Epithelium* - This epithelium is characteristic of the **respiratory tract**, specifically the **laryngeal surface** of the epiglottis, where it helps in trapping particles and moving mucus. - Its primary function is mucociliary clearance, which is not the main requirement for the lingual surface. *Simple Columnar Epithelium* - This epithelium is found in the **gastrointestinal tract** (stomach, intestines) where it functions primarily in **secretion and absorption**. - It consists of a single layer of tall cells and would not provide adequate protection against the mechanical trauma on the lingual surface of the epiglottis.
Question 487: Epithelial lining of the urinary bladder is?
- A. Squamous epithelium
- B. Transitional epithelium (Correct Answer)
- C. Cuboidal epithelium
- D. Columnar epithelium
Explanation: ***Transitional epithelium*** - The urinary bladder is lined by **transitional epithelium**, also known as **urothelium** [1]. - This specialized epithelium can stretch and flatten when the bladder fills with urine, and then contract when it empties, a crucial adaptation for its function. *Squamous epithelium* - **Stratified squamous epithelium** is typically found in areas subject to abrasion, such as the skin, esophagus, and vagina. - It does not possess the unique distensibility required for the urinary bladder's function. *Cuboidal epithelium* - **Cuboidal epithelium** is commonly found in glands and kidney tubules, where it is involved in secretion and absorption. - It is not specialized for the significant stretching and recoiling seen in the urinary bladder. *Columnar epithelium* - **Columnar epithelium** is primarily involved in secretion and absorption and is found in regions like the gastrointestinal tract and some glandular ducts. - It lacks the necessary structural characteristics to accommodate the large volume changes of the urinary bladder.
Question 488: Intracytoplasmic Nissl granules are found in?
- A. Smooth muscle
- B. Skeletal muscle
- C. Perikaryon of a neuron (Correct Answer)
- D. Cardiac muscle
Explanation: ***Perikaryon of a neuron*** - **Nissl granules**, also known as **Nissl bodies**, are aggregates of **rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)** and free **ribosomes** within the cytoplasm of neurons [1]. - They are primarily found in the **perikaryon** (cell body) and dendrites of neurons, where they are involved in **protein synthesis** for neural function and repair [1], [2]. *Smooth muscle* - **Smooth muscle cells** lack Nissl granules and do not possess the specialized rough endoplasmic reticulum structures characteristic of neurons. - Their cytoplasm contains abundant **actin** and **myosin** filaments arranged to allow for slow, sustained contractions. *Skeletal muscle* - **Skeletal muscle fibers** are characterized by highly organized contractile proteins (sarcomeres) and a specialized **sarcoplasmic reticulum** for calcium storage. - They do not contain Nissl granules; their extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum is not organized into such prominent aggregates. *Cardiac muscle* - **Cardiac muscle cells** contain a well-developed sarcoplasmic reticulum and numerous mitochondria to support continuous contractile activity. - Like other muscle types, they lack the specific granular aggregates of rough endoplasmic reticulum known as Nissl bodies, which are unique to neurons.
Question 489: Which substance is secreted by the cells of the stratum intermedium?
- A. Hyaluronic acid.
- B. Acid phosphatase.
- C. Alkaline phosphatase. (Correct Answer)
- D. None of the options.
Explanation: ***Alkaline phosphatase*** - Cells of the **stratum intermedium** are known to secrete and be rich in **alkaline phosphatase**. - This enzyme plays a crucial role in dental hard tissue formation, particularly during **enamel maturation**. *Hyaluronic acid* - **Hyaluronic acid** is a component of the **extracellular matrix** found in various connective tissues throughout the body, but it is not specifically secreted by the stratum intermedium. - Its primary functions include lubrication and tissue hydration. *Acid phosphatase* - **Acid phosphatase** is an enzyme found in lysosomes and is involved in various catabolic processes, particularly in breaking down organic phosphates. - It is not a characteristic secretion of the stratum intermedium during tooth development. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **alkaline phosphatase** is indeed secreted by the cells of the stratum intermedium. - The stratum intermedium is highly active metabolically, and the presence of this enzyme is vital for its role in enamel formation.
Question 490: Which of the following statements about fibrous cartilage is true?
- A. None of the options.
- B. It serves as a transitional layer between hyaline cartilage and tendon or ligament, but this is not its primary characteristic.
- C. It is made of dense collagen fibers and lacks a perichondrium. (Correct Answer)
- D. This cartilage is strong but not the strongest among all types.
Explanation: ***It is made of dense collagen fibers and lacks a perichondrium.*** - **Fibrous cartilage**, or **fibrocartilage**, is characterized by its high content of **dense collagen fibers**, primarily type I collagen, which provides significant tensile strength. - Unlike hyaline and elastic cartilage, **fibrocartilage** **lacks a perichondrium**, limiting its ability to repair and nourish itself extrinsically. *This cartilage is strong but not the strongest among all types.* - While **fibrocartilage** is indeed strong due to its dense collagen content, it is generally considered the **strongest** and most rigid form of cartilage. - Its strength is critical for resisting compression and tension in areas like **intervertebral discs** and **menisci**. *It serves as a transitional layer between hyaline cartilage and tendon or ligament, but this is not its primary characteristic.* - **Fibrocartilage** often does form transitional regions at the insertions of **tendons and ligaments** into bone, blending the cartilage with the connective tissue. - However, its primary defining characteristic and functional role stem from its composition of **dense collagen bundles** providing resistance to strong compressional and tensional forces, rather than solely its transitional role. *None of the options.* - This option is incorrect because the statement regarding the composition of **dense collagen fibers** and the **absence of a perichondrium** is a true and defining characteristic of **fibrocartilage**.
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Basic Tissue Types
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Cell Biology and Organelles
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Epithelial Tissue
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Cardiovascular System Histology
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Endocrine System Histology
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Respiratory System Histology
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Digestive System Histology
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Urinary and Reproductive System Histology
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