Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of collagen fibers in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

They provide high tensile strength, making tissues tough and resistant to stretching.

Question 2

A patient suffers from a genetic disorder that impairs the function of fibroblasts. Which of the following consequences is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Decreased secretion of matrix components, resulting in weakened connective tissue structure.

Question 3

Which connective tissue cell type is responsible for producing histamine and heparin during inflammatory responses?

Accepted Answer

Mast cells

Question 4

What is the main difference between -blasts and -cytes in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

-Blasts are actively mitotic and secrete matrix, while -cytes are mature and maintain the matrix.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a function of connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

Contraction for movement

Question 6

A histological slide shows branched, jagged fibers forming a supportive network for cells. Which type of fiber is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Reticular fibers

Question 7

Which equation best represents the composition of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

$Extracellular\ Matrix = Ground\ Substance + Fibers$

Question 8

Which connective tissue subtype is primarily responsible for the transportation of nutrients, gases, and waste products?

Accepted Answer

Vascular connective tissue (blood)

Question 9

A tissue sample contains cells with large vacuoles filled with triglycerides. What is the primary function of these cells?

Accepted Answer

Long-term energy storage and insulation

Question 10

Which of the following statements about the vascularity of connective tissues is correct?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissues have a wide range of vascularity, from avascular to highly vascular.

Question 11

A researcher is studying the development of connective tissues in embryos. Which tissue of origin should they focus on?

Accepted Answer

Mesenchyme

Question 12

Which cell type in connective tissue proper is undifferentiated and can specialize to become other connective tissue cell types?

Accepted Answer

Mesenchymal cells

Question 13

A patient with a deficiency in macrophages would most likely have problems with which function?

Accepted Answer

Phagocytosis and removal of pathogens and debris

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why elastic fibers are important in tissues such as the lungs and arteries?

Accepted Answer

They allow tissues to stretch and recoil, maintaining flexibility.

Question 15

Which connective tissue subtype is most likely to be found in areas requiring support and flexibility, such as the external ear?

Accepted Answer

Cartilage

Question 16

A histological stain reveals thick, pink fibers in a tissue sample. What type of fiber is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Collagen fibers

Question 17

Which of the following is a multi-step process involving both the ground substance and fibers in the extracellular matrix to trap water and adhere cells?

Accepted Answer

Formation of the extracellular matrix by combining ground substance and protein fibers

Question 18

Which equation correctly represents the relationship between the main components of connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

$Connective\ Tissue = Cells + Extracellular\ Matrix$

Question 19

A tissue sample is found to have abundant non-living extracellular matrix and relatively few cells. Which tissue type is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the role of ground substance in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

It is an extracellular fluid that traps water, adheres cells, and affects matrix consistency.

Histology: Connective Tissues – Structure, Function, and Classification

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