Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main function of microvilli on the apical surface of epithelial cells in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

To increase the surface area for absorption of nutrients

Question 2

A biopsy from a patient's trachea reveals an epithelium with nuclei at different heights, cilia on the apical surface, and all cells in contact with the basement membrane. Which type of epithelium is this?

Accepted Answer

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Question 3

Which of the following statements about collagen fibers is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They provide high tensile strength and are abundant in tendons and ligaments

Question 4

A patient with Marfan syndrome is at increased risk for aortic aneurysms due to a defect in which connective tissue component?

Accepted Answer

Fibrillin in elastic fibers

Question 5

Which of the following best distinguishes serous glands from mucous glands in histological sections?

Accepted Answer

Serous glands have round nuclei and strong staining with H-E

Question 6

Which of the following is a correct description of the structure of cilia?

Accepted Answer

They contain a 9+2 arrangement of microtubules and are powered by dynein

Question 7

Which of the following best explains why stratified squamous epithelium is found in the esophagus?

Accepted Answer

It protects underlying tissues from abrasion due to multiple cell layers

Question 8

Which of the following is a function of the ground substance in connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a transport medium for substances and free cells

Question 9

A mutation in the gene encoding type I collagen would most likely affect which of the following tissues the most?

Accepted Answer

Tendons and bone

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Exocrine glands secrete their products onto surfaces or into ducts, while endocrine glands release hormones into the extracellular space for diffusion into blood vessels

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct pairing of collagen type and its primary location?

Accepted Answer

Type III collagen – reticular fibers in lymphatic organs

Question 12

A histological section of the small intestine shows a brush border on the apical surface of epithelial cells. Which cytoskeletal element is primarily responsible for stabilizing this structure?

Accepted Answer

Actin filaments

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the secretion mechanism of merocrine glands?

Accepted Answer

Secretory product is released by exocytosis without loss of cytoplasm

Question 14

Which of the following is a clinical consequence of excessive collagen synthesis (fibrosis) in the liver?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why elastic fibers are important in the walls of large arteries?

Accepted Answer

They allow the vessel to stretch and recoil with each heartbeat

Question 16

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

Accepted Answer

They are long, highly negatively charged chains that attract water and contribute to the gel-like consistency of the ground substance

Question 17

A patient presents with hyperelastic skin and joint hypermobility. Which molecular defect is most likely responsible for this condition?

Accepted Answer

Defect in type V collagen

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between microvilli and cilia?

Accepted Answer

Microvilli are non-motile, increase surface area for absorption, and are stabilized by actin filaments; cilia are motile, move substances along the surface, and contain microtubules

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the glycocalyx on the apical surface of epithelial cells?

Accepted Answer

It consists of polysaccharides bound to membrane proteins and aids in cell recognition and protection

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why the shape of the superficial layer is used to classify stratified epithelia?

Accepted Answer

The superficial layer determines the functional properties and protection provided by the epithelium

Histology of Epithelial and Connective Tissues: Structure, Classification, and Function

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