Histology and General Pathology Flashcards

Comprehensive practice questions covering histology tissue types, pathological processes, cell growth abnormalities, and signs of death.

What are the main characteristics of epithelial tissue cells and extracellular matrix?

The cells are aggregated polyhedral with a small amount of extracellular matrix.

Where is simple squamous epithelium typically found for diffusion or filtration?

Alveoli of the lungs, Endothelium, Mesothelium, Bowman’s capsule, and Loop of Henle.

What are the functions of simple columnar epithelium?

Protection, lubrication, absorption, and secretion.

Which specific cells in the lining of the intestine produce mucus for lubrication?

Goblet cells.

Where is transitional epithelium located, and what is its function?

It is located in the lining of the urinary bladder and accommodates fluctuations in the volume of fluid.

What is the difference between endocrine and exocrine glands?

Endocrine glands are ductless and secrete directly into blood vessels, while exocrine glands retain ducts to empty secretions onto epithelial surfaces.

What is the embryonic origin of all connective tissue?

Mesenchyme.

Which type of connective tissue serves as a universal packing tissue or 'glue' for internal organs?

Areolar connective tissue.

What is the structural characteristic of bone tissue (Osseous tissue)?

It is composed of bone cells in cavities called lacunae, surrounded by a hard matrix containing calcium salts.

Where is fibrocartilage found in the body?

Pubic symphysis, joint capsules, and ligaments.

What are the characteristics of skeletal muscle cells?

Large, elongated, multinucleated cells with peripheral nuclei and cross-striations; they are voluntary muscles.

Which structures join cardiac muscle cells together?

Intercalated discs.

What are the two major functional characteristics of all neurons?

Irritability and conductivity.

Who is known as the Father of Modern Pathology?

Rudolf Virchow.

What is the difference between signs and symptoms?

Signs are objective evidence (measurable indicators like temperature), while symptoms are subjective evidence perceived by the patient (like pain).

Define 'Aplasia'.

Incomplete or defective development of tissue or organ, represented only by a mass of fatty or fibrous tissue with no resemblance to the adult structure.

What is the definition of Hypertrophy?

An increase in the size of tissues or organs due to an increase in the size of individual cells.

What does 'Metaplasia' refer to?

The replacement of one type of cell with another type of cell, often as an adaptation to chronic injury.

List the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation and their causes.

RUBOR (dilation), CALOR (increased blood content), TUMOR (capillary permeability/edema), DOLOR (nerve pressure/damage), and FUNCTIO LAESA (pain interference/destruction).

What characterizes serous inflammation?

Extensive outpouring of watery, low-protein fluid from blood serum or secretions of serosal mesothelial cells.

What is a granuloma?

A cellular attempt to contain an offending agent that is difficult to eradicate, characterized by collections of activated macrophages and T lymphocytes.

What is the difference between regeneration and replacement in tissue repair?

Regeneration produces new cells of the same type destroyed, while replacement develops a new type of tissue that causes scar production.

What are the three nuclear changes associated with necrosis?

Pyknosis (condensation), Karyorrhexis (fragmentation), and Karyolysis (dissolution).

What type of necrosis is specifically produced by the tubercle bacillus?

Caseous necrosis.

In Broder's classification, what defines a Grade IV tumor?

An undifferentiated cell percentage of $75-100\%$, where only $25-0\%$ of cells are differentiated.

What does the TNM system stand for in cancer staging?

T (size of tumor), N (extent of spread to lymph nodes), and M (presence of metastasis).

Define 'Algor Mortis'.

The cooling of the body after death to match the environmental temperature.

What causes Rigor Mortis?

The rigidity or stiffening of muscles due to the deposition of calcium.

What is 'Steatosis'?

Also known as fatty change, it is the abnormal accumulation of triglyceride within parenchymal cells.

What is the definition of 'Ischemia'?

Hypoxia induced by reduced blood flow, most commonly due to mechanical arterial obstruction.