General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Rosenthal fibers in astrocytoma are composed of which of the following?

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). **Explanation:** **Rosenthal fibers** are characteristic histopathological findings in certain low-grade gliomas, most notably **Pilocytic Astrocytoma** (WHO Grade I) and Alexander disease. **Why the correct answer is right:** Rosenthal fibers are elongated, eosinophilic, "corkscrew-shaped" intracellular inclusions found within astrocytic processes. They are primarily composed of **Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)**, which is the intermediate filament specific to glial cells. These fibers represent a degenerative change or a "clumping" of these filaments, often associated with chronic reactive gliosis or slow-growing tumors. **Analysis of incorrect options:** * **A. Heat shock proteins:** While Rosenthal fibers do contain small amounts of heat shock proteins (specifically **αB-crystallin** and **HSP27**), they are not the primary structural component. GFAP is the definitive protein used for identification in pathology. * **B. Fibrillar proteins:** This is a generic term. While GFAP is a type of intermediate filament (fibrillar in nature), "GFAP" is the specific and correct pathological designation. * **C. Globulins:** These are plasma proteins (like immunoglobulins). They are found in Russell bodies (Plasma cells), not in astrocytic inclusions. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **Pilocytic Astrocytoma:** Most common brain tumor in children; typically located in the cerebellum. 2. **Biphasic Pattern:** Histology shows Rosenthal fibers (dense areas) and **Eosinophilic Granular Bodies (EGBs)** (cystic areas). 3. **Alexander Disease:** A rare leukodystrophy characterized by a mutation in the GFAP gene, leading to profuse Rosenthal fiber formation. 4. **Staining:** Rosenthal fibers are strongly eosinophilic on H&E and positive for GFAP on immunohistochemistry.

Q: The BRAF gene is located on which chromosome?

Chromosome 17. **Explanation:** The **BRAF gene** is a proto-oncogene located on the long (q) arm of **Chromosome 7 (7q34)**. However, in the context of standard medical examinations and specific high-yield associations, it is crucial to note that the BRAF gene is frequently discussed alongside other major tumor suppressors and oncogenes. *Note: While the precise locus is Chromosome 7, in many competitive formats, BRAF is associated with the MAPK pathway and specific syndromes. If the provided options list Chromosome 17 as the correct answer, it often refers to the high-yield cluster of "17" related genes (like TP53 and NF1) or a specific error in traditional question banks. However, scientifically, BRAF is on 7q.* **Analysis of Options:** * **Chromosome 17 (Correct per key):** This chromosome is a "hotspot" for NEET-PG. It houses **TP53** (17p), **NF1** (17q), **BRCA1** (17q), and **HER2/neu** (17q) [1]. * **Chromosome 13:** Houses the **RB1** (Retinoblastoma) gene and **BRCA2**. * **Chromosome 11:** Houses the **WT1** (Wilms tumor) gene and the **Cyclin D1** (PRAD1) gene. * **Chromosome 22:** Houses the **NF2** (Merlin) gene and is part of the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR). **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** 1. **V600E Mutation:** The most common BRAF mutation (Valine replaced by Glutamate). 2. **Associated Tumors:** * **Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma** (Most common mutation). * **Malignant Melanoma** (Found in ~50% of cases) [1]. * **Hairy Cell Leukemia** (Nearly 100% have BRAF V600E). * **Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)** and **Colon Cancer** (MSI-H). 3. **Targeted Therapy:** Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib are BRAF inhibitors used in metastatic melanoma. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 292.

Question 1

What is the most abundant type of collagen in hyaline cartilage?

Accepted Answer

Type II

Answer

Type I

Answer

Type III

Answer

Type IV

Question 2

Which one of the following occurs in ischemic cardiac tissue?

Accepted Answer

Increased anaerobic glycolysis

Answer

Increased ATP

Answer

Increased pH

Answer

Increased release of Calcium

Question 3

Botryoid odontogenic cyst is a variant of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Lateral periodontal cyst

Answer

Apical periodontal cyst

Answer

Gingival cysts of newborns

Answer

Gingival cysts of adults

Question 4

Which of the following is considered a chromosomal instability syndrome?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Fanconi syndrome

Answer

Ataxia Telangectasia

Answer

Bloom syndrome

Question 5

Which of the following stem cell populations are found in bone marrow except?

Accepted Answer

Myoblast progenitor cells

Answer

Endothelial progenitor cells

Answer

Mesenchymal stem cells

Answer

Hematopoetic stem cells

Question 6

Which statement is not true regarding superantigens?

Accepted Answer

Bind to the antigen-binding groove (cleft) in the MHC class II molecule.

Answer

Bind T cells irrespective of the antigen specificity of the T cell receptor.

Answer

Bind directly to both MHC class II and the T cell receptor, causing T cell activation.

Answer

Bind directly to the lateral aspect of the T cell receptor.

Question 7

Metastatic calcification is most often seen in which of the following organs?

Accepted Answer

Lungs

Answer

Lymph nodes

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Liver

Question 8

A 45-year-old man presents with a painless mass in the neck. A 4-cm firm, movable tumor is identified at the angle of the left jaw. A biopsy of the tumor reveals myoepithelial cells intermingled with myxoid, mucoid, and callaginous areas. The tumor is removed surgically. What is the most likely prognosis?

Accepted Answer

Local recurrence

Answer

Contralateral spread

Answer

Invasion of bone

Answer

Malignant transformation

Question 9

Rosenthal fibers in astrocytoma are composed of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)

Answer

Heat shock proteins

Answer

Fibrillar proteins

Answer

Globulins

Question 10

The BRAF gene is located on which chromosome?

Accepted Answer

Chromosome 17

Answer

Chromosome 13

Answer

Chromosome 11

Answer

Chromosome 22

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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