General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Serum amyloid associated protein (SAA) is found in which of the following conditions?

Chronic inflammatory state. **Serum Amyloid Associated (SAA) protein** is an acute-phase reactant synthesized primarily by the liver under the influence of cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. In **Chronic Inflammatory States** (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis [1], Bronchiectasis, or Osteomyelitis), prolonged elevation of SAA leads to its deposition in tissues as **AA Amyloid** (Secondary Amyloidosis). This is the hallmark of reactive systemic amyloidosis. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option A (Alzheimer’s Disease):** While Alzheimer's involves amyloid deposition, the specific protein involved is **Aβ (Amyloid Beta)**, derived from Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), not SAA. * **Option C (Chronic Renal Failure):** Patients on long-term hemodialysis develop amyloidosis due to the accumulation of **β2-microglobulin** (Aβ2M), as it is not filtered by dialysis membranes. * **Option D (Malignant Hypertension):** This condition is associated with "Fibrinoid necrosis" of arterioles, not amyloid deposition. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **AL Amyloid:** Derived from Immunoglobulin Light Chains; associated with Multiple Myeloma (Primary Amyloidosis). 2. **ATTR:** Derived from Transthyretin; seen in Senile Systemic Amyloidosis and Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathies. 3. **Staining:** All amyloids show **Apple-green birefringence** under polarized light when stained with **Congo Red**. 4. **SAA vs. AA:** SAA is the soluble precursor in the blood; AA is the insoluble fibril deposited in tissues.

Q: Reversible loss of polarity with abnormality in size and shape of cells is known as?

Dysplasia. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: B. Dysplasia** **Dysplasia** is defined as disordered cellular development characterized by a **loss of architectural orientation (polarity)** and **cellular polymorphism** (variations in size and shape) [1]. Key features include increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio, hyperchromatic nuclei, and increased mitotic figures. Crucially, dysplasia is considered a **pre-neoplastic** change that is **potentially reversible** if the inciting stimulus is removed, provided it has not progressed to carcinoma in situ [1]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Metaplasia:** This is a reversible change where one **adult cell type** (epithelial or mesenchymal) is replaced by another adult cell type. While the cell type changes (e.g., columnar to squamous in smokers), the cells themselves maintain mature characteristics and polarity. * **C. Hyperplasia:** This refers to an increase in the **number of cells** in an organ or tissue, usually resulting in increased volume [1]. The cells remain morphologically normal and retain their polarity. * **D. Anaplasia:** This represents a total lack of differentiation and is a hallmark of **malignancy**. Unlike dysplasia, anaplasia is **irreversible** and involves a more profound loss of structural and functional differentiation. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Reversibility:** Metaplasia, Hyperplasia, and Dysplasia are generally reversible; Anaplasia and Neoplasia are not. * **Carcinoma in situ:** When dysplastic changes involve the full thickness of the epithelium but do not penetrate the basement membrane, it is termed "Carcinoma in situ." * **Pleomorphism:** A key component of dysplasia and anaplasia, referring specifically to the variation in size and shape of cells and nuclei. * **Common Site:** The squamocolumnar junction of the cervix is a classic high-yield site for observing dysplastic changes (detected via Pap smear).

Question 1

What is the first manifestation in cell injury?

Accepted Answer

Cell swelling

Answer

Pyknosis

Answer

Nuclear fragmentation

Answer

Nuclear lysis

Question 2

What is the inheritance pattern of the ABO blood group system and the HLA system?

Accepted Answer

Codominant

Answer

Pseudodominance

Answer

Autosomal dominant

Answer

Autosomal recessive

Question 3

Which procedure is performed when amyloidosis is clinically suspected?

Accepted Answer

Congo red staining of abdominal fat

Answer

Renal biopsy

Answer

Urine electrophoresis

Answer

Serum immunoelectrophoresis

Question 4

What is the most pathognomonic sign of irreversible cell injury?

Accepted Answer

Amorphous densities in mitochondria

Answer

Swelling of the cell membrane

Answer

Ribosomes detached from endoplasmic reticulum

Answer

Clumping of nuclear chromatin

Question 5

Which of the following is true of fat embolism?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia

Answer

Macroglobulinemia

Answer

Prothrombin time increased

Answer

Fat globules in urine

Question 6

Serum amyloid associated protein (SAA) is found in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Chronic inflammatory state

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Chronic renal failure

Answer

Malignant hypertension

Question 7

A 60-year-old male patient complains of discoloration of the right leg. The patient has a history of diabetes mellitus and a traumatic injury to the right leg. Physical examination reveals blackish discoloration of the right leg with pus and a foul smell. Which of the following most appropriately describes the condition of this patient?

Accepted Answer

Wet gangrene

Answer

Dry gangrene

Answer

Psoriasis

Answer

Pemphigus

Question 8

Development of the female breast at puberty is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Hypertrophy and hyperplasia

Answer

Hypertrophy

Answer

Hyperplasia

Answer

Atrophy

Question 9

Reversible loss of polarity with abnormality in size and shape of cells is known as?

Accepted Answer

Dysplasia

Answer

Metaplasia

Answer

Hyperplasia

Answer

Anaplasia

Question 10

Apoptosis is regulated by which gene?

Accepted Answer

p53

Answer

BRAC

Answer

N-myc

Answer

RB

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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