Southern Illinois University
HISTO HOME
INTRO Index
Epithelial
Tissue

Connective
Tissue

Nerve & Muscle Tissue
RESOURCE CENTER

Introductory HISTOLOGY  Cells, Basic Tissue Types, Blood Cells

SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

NOTE: The following questions are designed for introductory drill (i.e., to practice basic vocabulary describing cell and tissue structure and function). 
These questions do not necessarily represent the quality of questions which will appear on the CRR Unit evaluation.

(reference:  https://histology.siu.edu/intro/index.htm).

Additional question sets:

SAQ CRR unit.
SAQ SSB unit.
SAQ gastrointestinal.
SAQ endocrine, reproductive.

Multiple choice questions.

Point to an answer.  Green color and bold indicates "CORRECT."  Red color and italics indicates "Wrong answer." 
(NOTE:  In cases where all of the responses are correct, only "all of the above" will be indicated as correct.)

  1. Structures called acidophilic are those which normally:
    1. stain red or pink with hematoxylin.
    2. stain red or pink with eosin.
    3. stain blue or purple with hematoxylin.
    4. stain blue or purple with eosin.
    5. remain unstained with H&E.
       
  2. Cell structures which bind to basic dyes such as hematoxylin are said to be:
    1. basophilic.
    2. acidophilic.
    3. argyrophilic.
    4. chromophilic.
    5. metachromatic.
       
  3. Cell structures which bind to acidic dyes such as eosin are said to be:
    1. basophilic.
    2. acidophilic.
    3. argyrophilic.
    4. chromophilic.
    5. metachromatic.
       
  4. Structures called basophilic are those which normally:
    1. stain red or pink with hematoxylin.
    2. stain red or pink with eosin.
    3. stain blue or purple with hematoxylin.
    4. stain blue or purple with eosin.
    5. remain unstained with H&E.
       
  5. Which of the following structures is/are acidophilic?
    1. ribosomes.
    2. heterochromatin.
    3. fat droplets.
    4. collagen.
    5. nucleoli.
       
  6. Which of the following structures is/are acidophilic?
    1. muscle protein.
    2. heterochromatin.
    3. fat droplets.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. nucleoli.
       
  7. Which of the following structures is/are acidophilic?
    1. nucleoli.
    2. heterochromatin.
    3. fat droplets.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. mitochondria.
       
  8. Which of the following structures is/are basophilic?
    1. muscle protein.
    2. collagen.
    3. Golgi bodies.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. mitochondria.
       
  9. Which of the following structures is/are basophilic?
    1. muscle protein.
    2. fat droplets.
    3. collagen.
    4. mitochondria.
    5. nucleoli.
       
  10. Which of the following structures is/are basophilic?
    1. heterochromatin.
    2. fat droplets.
    3. collagen.
    4. mitochondria.
    5. muscle protein.
       
  11. Which of the following structures is/are normally unstained with H&E?
    1. heterochromatin.
    2. fat droplets.
    3. collagen.
    4. mitochondria.
    5. muscle protein.
       
  12. Which of the following structures is/are normally unstained with H&E?
    1. muscle protein.
    2. collagen.
    3. Golgi bodies.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. mitochondria.
       
  13. Which of the following structures is/are normally unstained with H&E?
    1. heterochromatin.
    2. ribosomes.
    3. collagen.
    4. mitochondria.
    5. connective tissue ground substance.
       
  14. A cell specialized for synthesizing protein can be recognized by cytoplasm containing especially large numbers of which of the following organelles?
    1. mitochondria.
    2. microtubules.
    3. lysosomes.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. centrioles.
       
  15. On histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the color of cytoplasm in cells specialized for protein synthesis is:
    1. red or pink.
    2. blue or purple.
    3. yellow, brown, or black.
    4. greenish gray.
    5. pale (unstained).
       
  16. A cell which produces an exceptionally abundant amount of ATP can be recognized by cytoplasm containing especially large numbers of which of the following organelles?
    1. mitochondria.
    2. microtubules.
    3. lysosomes.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. centrioles.
       
  17. On histological slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), the color of cytoplasm in cells containing many mitochondria is:
    1. red or pink.
    2. blue or purple.
    3. yellow, brown, or black.
    4. greenish gray.
    5. pale (unstained).
       
  18. 1000 micrometers is equivalent to:
    1. 1 centimeter.
    2. 100 millimeters.
    3. 10 millimeters.
    4. 1 millimeter.
    5. 0.1 millimeter.
       
  19. The diameter of a typical red blood cell is about:
    1. 0.6 micrometer.
    2. 6 micrometers.
    3. 60 micrometers.
    4. 600 micrometers.
    5. 6000 micrometers.
       
  20. The diameter of a typical mitochondrion is about:
    1. 0.5 micrometer.
    2. 5 micrometers.
    3. 50 micrometers.
    4. 500 micrometers.
    5. 5000 micrometers.
       
  21. The diameter of a typical adipocyte is about:
    1. 0.5 micrometer.
    2. 5 micrometers.
    3. 50 micrometers.
    4. 500 micrometers.
    5. 5000 micrometers.
       
  22. A brown pigment comprising the indigestible waste products of cell metabolism is called:
    1. melanin.
    2. lipofuchsin.
    3. hematoxylin.
    4. hemoglobin.
    5. eosin.
       
  23. During mitosis, chromosomes are aligned in the middle of the spindle during:
    1. prophase.
    2. metaphase.
    3. anaphase.
    4. telophase.
    5. interphase.
       
  24. The mitotic spindle consists of:
    1. chromosomes.
    2. histones.
    3. microtubules.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. lipid.
       
  25. One of the functions of the Golgi apparatus is to:
    1. synthesize protein.
    2. nucleate polymerization of microtubules.
    3. synthesize lysosomal enzymes.
    4. process and package secretory products and glycocalyx.
    5. synthesize carbohydrates.
       
  26. The organelle associated with energy (ATP) production is the:
    1. chromosome.
    2. centriole.
    3. ribosome.
    4. mitochondrion.
    5. endoplasmic reticulum.
       
  27. Protein molecules are assembled on:
    1. chromosomes.
    2. histones.
    3. microtubules.
    4. ribosomes.
    5. lipid.
       
  28. The site of assembly of ribosomal subunits is the:
    1. rough endoplasmic reticulum.
    2. smooth endoplasmic reticulum.
    3. golgi apparatus.
    4. spindle apparatus.
    5. nucleolus.
       
  29. The stain of choice to demonstrate glycogen and/or mucus in cells is:
    1. periodic acid Schiff (PAS).
    2. hematoxylin.
    3. eosin.
    4. lipofuchsin.
    5. hemosiderin.
       
  30. Which of the following best describes the function of the condenser lens of the bright-field light microscope:
    1. illuminates specimen.
    2. magnifies specimen.
    3. focusses light at the level of specimen.
    4. gathers light that has passed through specimen.
    5. projects image to the eyepiece.
       
  31. Which region of the nucleus appears only lightly stained with routine histological procedures and is the site of mRNA synthesis?
    1. nucleolus.
    2. euchromatin.
    3. heterochromatin.
    4. centrosome.
    5. ribosome.
       
  32. Which of the following blood cells develops into a macrophage in loose connective tissue?
    1. neutrophil
    2. eosinophil
    3. basophil
    4. monocyte
    5. lymphocyte
       
  33. Phagocytosis is exhibited by:
    1. fibroblasts.
    2. adipocytes.
    3. mast cells.
    4. macrophages.
    5. basophils.
       
  34. Which of the following cells is NOT normally found in loose connective tissue?
    1. mast cell.
    2. neutrophil.
    3. lymphocyte.
    4. adipocyte.
    5. macrophage.
       
  35. Elastin is synthesized by:
    1. fibroblasts.
    2. mast cells.
    3. lymphocytes.
    4. keratinocytes.
    5. plasma cells.
       
  36. Collagen is synthesized by:
    1. fibroblasts.
    2. mast cells.
    3. lymphocytes.
    4. keratinocytes.
    5. plasma cells.
       
  37. The cell responsible for the synthesis, maintenance, and turnover of extracellular matrix is the:
    1. fibroblast.
    2. mast cell.
    3. lymphocyte.
    4. keratinocyte.
    5. plasma cell.
       
  38. Which of the following proteins is assembled into extracellular fibers?
    1. collagen.
    2. keratin.
    3. actin.
    4. myosin.
    5. tropomyosin.
       
  39. The predominant matrix component of ordinary loose connective tissue is:
    1. collagen.
    2. elastin.
    3. GAG (glycosaminoglycan).
    4. water.
       
  40. Which of the following is a function for brown (multilocular) fat but NOT also a function of white (unilocular) fat?
    1. lipid storage.
    2. thermal insulation.
    3. heat generation.
    4. cushioning (shock absorption).
       
  41. Which of the following is a permanent resident cell (as opposed to a transient immigrant) of connective tissue?
    1. neutrophil.
    2. eosinophil.
    3. plasma cell.
    4. fibroblast.
    5. monocyte.
       
  42. Which of the following secretes histamine and other chemical mediators in the vicinity of small vessels?
    1. mast cell.
    2. lymphocyte.
    3. fibroblast.
    4. monocyte.
    5. adipocyte.
       
  43. Plasma cells are derived from:
    1. mast cells.
    2. B-lymphocytes.
    3. fibroblasts.
    4. monocytes.
    5. adipocytes.
       
  44. Which of the following is a transient cell (as opposed to a a permanent resident) of connective tissue?
    1. fibroblast.
    2. mast cell.
    3. mesenchymal cell.
    4. lymphocyte.
    5. adipocyte.
       
  45. All epithelia rest on a thin layer called:
    1. submucosa.
    2. lamina propria.
    3. dermis.
    4. basement membrane.
    5. serosa.
       
  46. An epithelium which consists of a single layer of cells is designated as:
    1. stratified.
    2. simple.
    3. columnar.
    4. pseudostratified.
    5. transitional.
       
  47. An epithelium which consists of more than one layer of cells is designated as:
    1. stratified.
    2. simple.
    3. columnar.
    4. pseudostratified.
    5. transitional.
       
  48. An epithelium which appears to be composed of more than one layer of cells but which really consists of a single layer is designated as:
    1. stratified.
    2. simple.
    3. columnar.
    4. pseudostratified.
    5. transitional.
       
  49. An epithelium whose surface cells are flattened is called:
    1. squamous.
    2. cuboidal.
    3. columnar.
       
  50. An epithelium whose surface cells are much taller than wide is called:
    1. squamous.
    2. cuboidal.
    3. columnar.
       
  51. An epithelium whose surface cells are about as tall as wide is called:
    1. squamous.
    2. cuboidal.
    3. columnar.
       
  52. The portion of an epithelial cell which is closest to the basement membrane is called the cell's:
    1. basal surface.
    2. lateral surface.
    3. apical surface.
       
  53. The portion of an epithelial cell which is attached to adjacent epithelial cells is called the cell's:
    1. basal surface.
    2. lateral surface.
    3. apical surface.
       
  54. The portion of an epithelial cell which faces the outer, free surface of the epithelium is called the cell's:
    1. basal surface.
    2. lateral surface.
    3. apical surface.
       
  55. Stratified squamous epithelium lines the:
    1. esophagus.
    2. trachea.
    3. stomach.
    4. small intestine.
    5. urinary bladder.
       
  56. Mesothelium is:
    1. simple squamous epithelial tissue.
    2. stratified squamous epithelial tissue.
    3. simple cuboidal epithelial tissue.
    4. stratified cuboidal epithelial tissue.
    5. simple columnar epithelial tissue
       
  57. Endothelium is:
    1. simple squamous epithelial tissue.
    2. stratified squamous epithelial tissue.
    3. simple cuboidal epithelial tissue.
    4. stratified cuboidal epithelial tissue.
    5. simple columnar epithelial tissue
       
  58. Endothelium lines all of the following EXCEPT:
    1. arteries.
    2. veins.
    3. capillaries.
    4. lymphatic vessels.
    5. secretory ducts.
       
  59. Mesothelium lines:
    1. the respiratory tract.
    2. the urinary tract.
    3. the peritoneal, pleural and pericardial cavities.
    4. the nasal cavity.
    5. the oral cavity.
       
  60. Which type cell junction creates a site of low electrical resistance between adjacent cells?
    1. tight junction / zonula occludens.
    2. gap junction.
    3. adhering junction (desmosome).
       
  61. Which type cell junction provides a relatively strong attachment between adjacent cells?
    1. tight junction / zonula occludens.
    2. gap junction.
    3. adhering junction / macula adherens / desmosome.
       
  62. Which cell junction establishes a barrier to diffusion between adjacent epithelial cells?
    1. tight junction / zonula occludens.
    2. gap junction.
    3. adhering junction / macula adherens / desmosome.
       
  63. The epithelial cell specialization which vastly increases the absorptive surface area of the cell is:
    1. cilia.
    2. stereocilia.
    3. desmosomes.
    4. microvilli.
    5. keratinization of a stratified epithelium.
       
  64. Which epithelial cell surface specialization is used to move mucous and particles along the surface?
    1. cilia.
    2. stereocilia.
    3. desmosomes.
    4. microvilli.
    5. villi.
       
  65. Which epithelial cell surface modification is best suited to resist abrasive wear and tear?
    1. cilia.
    2. stereocilia.
    3. desmosomes.
    4. microvilli.
    5. keratinization of a stratified epithelium.
       
  66. Which surface is NOT lined by epithelial tissue?
    1. surface of skin.
    2. cornea surface of eye.
    3. luminal surface of intestinal tract.
    4. luminal surface of trachea and alveoli of lungs.
    5. luminal surface of urinary tract.
    6. surfaces of bones and muscles.
       
  67. The largest hemopoietic cell in bone marrow is the:
    1. stem cell.
    2. erythroblast.
    3. myelocyte.
    4. metamyelocyte.
    5. megakaryocyte.
       
  68. Which is (normally) the most common white blood in circulating blood?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil..
       
  69. Which is (normally) the SECOND most common white blood in circulating blood?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  70. Which of the following cell types immigrates first (i.e., most quickly) from blood into connective tissue, during the early stages of an inflammatory response?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil..
       
  71. Circulating antibodies are produced by:
    1. B-lymphocytes.
    2. monocytes.
    3. neutrophils.
    4. eosinophils.
    5. basophils.
       
  72. What is the component of peripheral blood provided by megakaryocytes?
    1. erythrocytes.
    2. neutrophils.
    3. basophils.
    4. platelets.
    5. plasma.
       
  73. Which is the smallest white blood cell found in peripheral blood?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  74. Which blood cell has a nucleus pinched into several lobes connected by narrow constrictions?
    1. erythrocyte.
    2. neutrophil.
    3. lymphocyte.
    4. platelet.
    5. monocyte.
       
  75. Which component of blood consists of a small bit of cytoplasm without a nucleus?
    1. basophil.
    2. neutrophil.
    3. lymphocyte.
    4. platelet.
    5. monocyte.
       
  76. Which is a large white blood cell that represents about 3 to 8% of circulating leukocytes?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  77. Which of the following white blood cells contains specific granules that have little affinity for dyes, are similar to lysosomes, and are used to digest bacteria?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. platelet.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  78. Which of the following white blood cells is associated with allergies and parasite infections and contain specific granules that have an affinity for eosin and other acidic dyes?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. platelet.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  79. Which of the following white blood cells is most similar to a circulating mast cell (and is the least common of the circulating leukocytes)?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. platelet.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  80. Which of the following is the name given to an immature red blood cell which still contains remnants of basophilic cytoplasm?
    1. erythrocyte.
    2. platelet.
    3. reticulocyte.
    4. megakaryocyte.
    5. metamyelocyte.
       
  81. Hemopoiesis is an important function for:
    1. tonsils.
    2. skin.
    3. cartilage.
    4. bone marrow.
    5. cardiac muscle.
       
  82. Which of the following may undergo further cell division after leaving the hemopoietic organ of its origin?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. erythrocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  83. Which of the following blood cell types will normally re-enter the bloodstream after leaving circulation and immigrating into peripheral tissues?
    1. lymphocyte.
    2. monocyte.
    3. neutrophil.
    4. eosinophil.
    5. basophil.
       
  84. The term "polymorphonuclear leukocytes" includes:
    1. neutrophils and eosinophils.
    2. basophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes.
    3. lymphocytes and monocytes.
    4. T-cells, B-cells and neutrophils.
       
  85. Reticulocytes are:
    1. part of the reticulo-endothelial system.
    2. immature RBCs.
    3. macrophages.
    4. dendritic cells.
    5. none of the above
       
  86. A macrophages can originate from a:
    1. lymphocytes.
    2. monocytes.
    3. neutrophils.
    4. eosinophils.
    5. basophils.
       
  87. Which type of muscle is syncytial, with many nuclei per "cell"?
    1. skeletal muscle.
    2. cardiac muscle.
    3. smooth muscle.
       
  88. Which type of muscle has the largest fibers?
    1. skeletal muscle.
    2. cardiac muscle.
    3. smooth muscle.
       
  89. Which type of muscle consists of individual cells attached end-to-end by intercalated disks?
    1. skeletal muscle.
    2. cardiac muscle.
    3. smooth muscle.
       
  90. Which type of muscle consists of individual cells that may be several hundred micrometers in length but only a few micrometers in diameter?
    1. skeletal muscle.
    2. cardiac muscle.
    3. smooth muscle.
       
  91. Which type of muscle has its nuclei located at the periphery of its muscle fibers, close to the fiber membrane?
    1. skeletal muscle.
    2. cardiac muscle.
    3. smooth muscle.
       
  92. The predominant connective tissue element in the dermis is:
    1. lymphocytes.
    2. mast cells.
    3. macrophages.
    4. elastin.
    5. collagen.
       
  93. The tissue composition of hair follicles is most similar to:
    1. epidermis.
    2. hypodermis.
    3. sweat gland.
    4. papillary layer of dermis.
    5. reticular layer of dermis.
       
  94. Arrector pili consist of:
    1. glandular epithelium.
    2. columnar epithelium.
    3. squamous epithelium.
    4. lymphocytes.
    5. smooth muscle.
       
  95. The glands most closely associated with hair follicles are:
    1. eccrine sweat glands.
    2. apocrine sweat glands.
    3. sebaceous glands.
    4. lymphatic glands.
    5. submucosal glands.

Return to top of page.

If you notice any errors or problems with this site, please send a note by clicking here: dgking@siu.edu

David KingComments and questions: dgking@siu.edu

SIUC / School of Medicine / Anatomy / David King

https://histology.siu.edu/intro/SAQint.htm
Last updated:  8 September 2021 / dgk