Question 1

Which of the following best explains why cilia are more susceptible to damage from smoking than flagella?

Accepted Answer

Cilia are found in large numbers on cell surfaces and are responsible for moving mucus, so their impairment directly affects respiratory defense.

Question 2

A histology student observes a tissue sample with a fuzzy border under the microscope. Which structure is most likely responsible for this appearance, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli; increase of surface area for absorption

Question 3

A patient with chronic respiratory infections is found to have defective cilia. Which of the following best describes the consequence of this defect?

Accepted Answer

Reduced ability to move mucus and trapped pathogens out of the respiratory tract

Question 4

Which of the following best distinguishes microvilli from cilia when viewed under a microscope?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli appear as a fuzzy border and are supported by actin filaments, while cilia are longer and supported by microtubules.

Question 5

A tissue sample is prepared for microscopy by fixing, dehydrating, sectioning, and staining. What is the main purpose of the dehydration step?

Accepted Answer

To remove water from the tissue, allowing embedding and thin sectioning

Question 6

Which microscopy technique would be most appropriate for visualizing the three-dimensional surface of microvilli on a cell?

Accepted Answer

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Question 7

A researcher is comparing the internal structure of cilia and microvilli. Which cytoskeletal elements are found in each, respectively?

Accepted Answer

Cilia: microtubules; Microvilli: actin filaments

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the 9+2 arrangement found in cilia and flagella?

Accepted Answer

9 pairs of microtubules around the periphery and 2 single microtubules in the center

Question 9

A pathologist is examining a tissue section and notes a single layer of flat, thin cells lining a blood vessel. Which type of epithelium is this, and what is its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Simple squamous epithelium; rapid exchange of gases and nutrients

Question 10

Which of the following is a key reason why proper staining is essential in tissue microscopy?

Accepted Answer

Staining makes specific components of the tissue visible, allowing identification of cellular elements.

Question 11

A laboratory technician needs to identify the apical and basal surfaces of an epithelial tissue sample. Why is this distinction important?

Accepted Answer

It is essential for understanding the direction of secretion and absorption in epithelial tissues.

Question 12

A patient has a genetic defect that prevents the formation of actin filaments. Which cellular structure would be most directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why stratified squamous epithelium is found in areas subject to abrasion, such as the skin and oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Multiple layers of cells provide protection against mechanical stress and abrasion.

Question 14

A tissue sample from the urinary bladder shows cells that change shape depending on the degree of stretch. Which type of epithelium is this, and what is its functional significance?

Accepted Answer

Transitional epithelium; allows for expansion and contraction

Question 15

A sperm cell is unique among human cells because it contains which of the following structures for motility?

Accepted Answer

Flagellum

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the function of the basement membrane in epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

It separates and provides structural support between epithelial and connective tissues.

Question 17

A dental hygienist wears eye protection while cleaning a patient's teeth. This is an example of which type of protective mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Barrier protection against pathogen entry

Question 18

A student is preparing a tissue slide and uses alcohol concentrations of 50%, 70%, and 95%. What is the purpose of this stepwise increase in alcohol concentration?

Accepted Answer

To gradually dehydrate the tissue, preventing distortion

Question 19

Which of the following is a major difference between simple and stratified epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

Simple epithelium has one layer of cells, while stratified has two or more layers.

Cilia, Flagella, Microvilli, and Epithelial Tissue: Structure, Function, and Microscopy Techniques

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