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.

Question 1

Hydropic swelling of the cell is characterized by all the following EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Increased number of cytoplasmic organelles

Answer

Dilatation of cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum

Answer

Impairment of cellular volume regulation

Answer

Influx of sodium into the cell

Question 2

Which of the following conditions is characterized by caseating necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Leprosy

Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Infarct

Question 3

What is the most common cause of death in primary amyloidosis?

Accepted Answer

Cardiac failure

Answer

Respiratory failure

Answer

Renal failure

Answer

Septicemia

Question 4

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 5

What is the most common source of embolism?

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Infection

Answer

Surgery

Question 6

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 7

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 8

Which organ is most commonly associated with a red infarct?

Accepted Answer

Small intestine

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Heart

Question 9

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 10

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

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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