General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is characterized by which of the following?

Decreased amount of type III collagen.. **Explanation:** Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders resulting from defects in the synthesis or structure of fibrillar collagen [1]. **Why Option B is Correct:** Type IV EDS, also known as the **Vascular Type**, is caused by mutations in the **COL3A1 gene**. This gene encodes the pro-alpha1 chains of **Type III collagen**. The mutation leads to a significantly decreased amount of normal Type III collagen or the production of defective Type III collagen. Since Type III collagen is a major structural component of blood vessels and hollow organs (like the bowel and uterus), this subtype is characterized by life-threatening arterial rupture and visceral perforation [1]. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option A:** Deficiencies in lysyl hydroxylase are characteristic of **Type VI EDS (Kyphoscoliotic Type)**, which presents with ocular fragility and severe hypotonia. Lysyl oxidase deficiency is associated with Menkes disease, not typically EDS. * **Option C:** Fibronectin defects are not the primary underlying pathology in the classic or vascular forms of EDS. EDS is fundamentally a collagenopathy. * **Option D:** Since Options A and C are incorrect, "All of the above" is invalid. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Classic EDS (Types I/II):** Defect in **Type V collagen** (COL5A1, COL5A2); features skin hyperextensibility and "cigarette paper" scarring [1]. * **Vascular EDS (Type IV):** Defect in **Type III collagen**; most serious form due to risk of **aortic rupture** [1]. * **Kyphoscoliotic EDS (Type VI):** Defect in **Lysyl hydroxylase**; look for "retinal detachment" and "kyphoscoliosis" in the stem. * **Arthrochalasia/Dermatosparaxis EDS (Type VII):** Defect in the conversion of Type I procollagen to collagen. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, pp. 154-156.

Q: Which stain is used to identify Gaucher cells?

Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS). **Explanation:** **Gaucher disease** is the most common lysosomal storage disorder, caused by a deficiency of the enzyme **glucocerebrosidase**. This leads to the accumulation of glucocerebroside (a glycolipid) within the lysosomes of macrophages, transforming them into characteristic **Gaucher cells** [1]. 1. **Why PAS is Correct:** Gaucher cells have a distinct "wrinkled tissue paper" or "crumpled silk" appearance of the cytoplasm [1]. Because the accumulated material is a **glycolipid** (containing carbohydrate moieties), it is strongly **PAS (Periodic Acid Schiff) positive**. This stain highlights the complex carbohydrates within the stored lipid. 2. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Von Kossa stain:** Used to identify **calcium** deposits (appears black). It is commonly used in conditions like Monckeberg arteriosclerosis or nephrocalcinosis. * **Oil red O:** Used to identify **neutral lipids/triglycerides**. While Gaucher cells contain lipids, the glycolipids are better demonstrated by PAS; Oil red O is typically used on frozen sections for fat emboli or steatosis. * **Sudan Black B:** Primarily used to stain **phospholipids and sterols**. It is a classic stain for identifying myeloblasts in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Gaucher Cell Morphology:** Large macrophages with eccentric nuclei and fibrillar, "crumpled silk" cytoplasm [1]. * **Enzyme Marker:** Gaucher cells are also positive for **TRAP (Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase)**. * **Clinical Triad:** Hepatosplenomegaly, bone involvement (Erlenmeyer flask deformity), and pancytopenia [1]. * **Chitotriosidase:** A plasma marker used to monitor disease activity and response to enzyme replacement therapy. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Genetic Disorders, p. 163.

Question 1

Caspases are involved in:

Accepted Answer

Apoptosis

Answer

Cell division

Answer

Necrosis

Answer

Inflammation

Question 2

Which of the following is not an example of apoptosis?

Accepted Answer

Tumor necrosis

Answer

Graft versus host disease

Answer

Menstrual cycle

Answer

Pathological atrophy following duct obstruction

Question 3

A chronic alcoholic presents with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Which of the following neoplasms is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Answer

Prostatic adenocarcinoma

Answer

Multiple myeloma

Answer

Glioblastoma multiforme

Question 4

Type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is characterized by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decreased amount of type III collagen.

Answer

Deficiencies in hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase.

Answer

Nonfunctioning plasma fibronectin.

Answer

All of the above.

Question 5

The degradation of intracellular organelles through the process in which autosomes combine with primary lysosomes of the cells is called as?

Accepted Answer

Autophagy

Answer

Heterophagy

Answer

Heteroplasmy

Answer

Endocytosis

Question 6

Amyloidosis is associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 21q

Answer

Chromosome 22q

Answer

Y chromosome

Answer

Chromosome 17q

Question 7

What is the principal mediator of vasodilation in acute inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Histamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

IL-1

Answer

TNF

Question 8

Which stain is used to identify Gaucher cells?

Accepted Answer

Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS)

Answer

Von Kossa stain

Answer

Oil red O

Answer

Sudan Black B

Question 9

Which of the following is not a tumor marker?

Accepted Answer

Human leucocyte antigen A2

Answer

CEA

Answer

Tyrosinase

Answer

AFP

Question 10

Which of the following represents an example of metastatic calcification?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary calcification in chronic renal failure

Answer

Old foci of tuberculosis in the lymph nodes

Answer

Mitral valve damaged by rheumatic fever

Answer

Breast cancer visible by mammography

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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