Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

It surrounds cells, providing strength to resist tensile and compressive forces, directs cell positioning, and regulates cell development and survival.

Question 2

Which type of tissue is characterized by tightly packed sheets of cells with no visible ECM and is responsible for covering and lining all body surfaces and cavities?

Accepted Answer

Epithelial tissue

Question 3

A researcher observes a tissue sample with cells scattered throughout a prominent extracellular matrix. Which tissue type is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a function of the extracellular matrix?

Accepted Answer

Generating action potentials for muscle contraction

Question 5

Which component of the extracellular matrix is primarily responsible for binding surface proteins and maintaining the architecture of the tissue?

Accepted Answer

Cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs)

Question 6

A tissue sample contains a large amount of ground substance composed of water, nutrients, ions, and macromolecules. What is the main function of this ground substance?

Accepted Answer

To provide a medium for the exchange of substances between cells and their environment

Question 7

Which of the following macromolecules found in the ECM is most associated with cartilage and contributes to its resilience?

Accepted Answer

Chondroitin sulfate

Question 8

Which tissue type is specialized for contraction and uses ATP as an energy source?

Accepted Answer

Muscle tissue

Question 9

Which of the following is a correct pairing of tissue type and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue – binding, supporting, and protecting other tissues

Question 10

A patient has a genetic disorder affecting the protein fibers in their ECM, leading to hyperextensible skin and frequent joint dislocations. Which ECM component is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Collagen fibers

Question 11

Which equation best represents the relationship between tensile strength ($$S_t$$), compressive strength ($$S_c$$), and total tissue strength ($$S_{total}) $$provided by the ECM?

Accepted Answer

$$S_{total} = S_t + S_c$$

Question 12

Which of the following statements about glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is correct?

Accepted Answer

They are carbohydrates that contribute to the ground substance and include chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid.

Question 13

Which tissue type contains neurons capable of generating, sending, and receiving messages, and neuroglia that support this activity?

Accepted Answer

Nervous tissue

Question 14

If a tissue sample is found to have a high concentration of protein fibers and a relatively small amount of ground substance, which tissue type is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Dense connective tissue

Question 15

Which of the following is a function of cell-adhesion molecules (CAMs) in the ECM?

Accepted Answer

They bind surface proteins and help maintain tissue architecture.

Question 16

A tissue sample is observed to have a gel-like ECM with abundant hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate. Which function is most likely enhanced in this tissue?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to compression and support for cartilage

Question 17

Which of the following best explains why epithelial tissues are tightly packed with little to no visible ECM?

Accepted Answer

To provide a protective barrier and resist mechanical injury

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct description of the ground substance in the ECM?

Accepted Answer

It is a liquid, gel, or solid that surrounds cells and contains water, nutrients, ions, and macromolecules.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a primary tissue type found in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Adipose tissue

Histology: Structure and Function of Tissues and the Extracellular Matrix

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards