Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM)?

Accepted Answer

They attract water and help the ECM resist compression by creating a concentration gradient.

Question 2

A patient with Marfan syndrome is at increased risk for which of the following potentially fatal complications, and what is the underlying tissue defect?

Accepted Answer

Aortic dissection due to defective elastic fibers in the ECM

Question 3

Which type of epithelial tissue is best adapted for rapid diffusion of substances and where is it commonly found?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous epithelium; air sacs of lungs and lining of blood vessels

Question 4

Which of the following cell junctions is most important in preventing the leakage of substances between adjacent epithelial cells in the intestines?

Accepted Answer

Tight junctions (occluding junctions)

Question 5

A gland that releases its product by exocytosis without damaging the secretory cell is classified as which type of gland?

Accepted Answer

Merocrine gland

Question 6

Which of the following best explains why cartilage heals poorly after injury?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage is avascular and chondrocytes have limited capacity for regeneration.

Question 7

Which connective tissue type is most specialized for energy storage, insulation, and shock absorption?

Accepted Answer

Adipose tissue

Question 8

A biopsy of a patient’s skin reveals a thick, keratinized layer of stratified squamous epithelium. What is the primary function of this tissue?

Accepted Answer

Protection against mechanical and thermal injury

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the structure and function of intercalated discs in cardiac muscle tissue?

Accepted Answer

They contain gap junctions and modified tight junctions, allowing coordinated contraction of the heart.

Question 10

A patient presents with a non-healing wound on the lower leg. Which of the following factors is most likely contributing to the impaired tissue repair?

Accepted Answer

Inadequate blood supply to the injured region

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why neurons in the central nervous system generally do not regenerate after injury?

Accepted Answer

Mature neurons have lost the ability to divide by mitosis.

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of reticular fibers in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

They form a supportive meshwork that traps foreign cells in organs such as the spleen.

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Accepted Answer

Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, while exocrine glands release products onto epithelial surfaces via ducts.

Question 14

A tissue sample shows cells with multiple nuclei, striations, and voluntary control. Which tissue is this?

Accepted Answer

Skeletal muscle tissue

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the process of fibrosis during tissue repair?

Accepted Answer

Fibroblasts divide and produce collagen, filling the gap with dense irregular connective tissue (scar tissue).

Question 16

Which of the following is a property of serous membranes?

Accepted Answer

They line body cavities that do not open to the outside and secrete a watery fluid to reduce friction.

Question 17

Which of the following best explains the role of cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) in tissues?

Accepted Answer

They bind cells to each other and to the ECM, maintaining normal tissue architecture.

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of transitional epithelium?

Accepted Answer

It has dome-shaped apical cells that can flatten to allow stretching.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of mast cells in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

They release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, contributing to inflammation.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the repair capacity of muscle tissues?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle tissue can regenerate, but cardiac muscle tissue heals by fibrosis.

Chapter 4: Histology – The Study of Tissues

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards