Test Bank For Stevens & Lowe's Human
Histology, 6th Edition
Authors :
James S. Lowe & Peter G. Anderson & Susan I. Anderson
, Chapter 1. Histology
1. Which of the following best describes histology as a field of study?
a) The study of the function of tissues
b) The study of the microscopic structure of tissues
c) The study of genetic material within cells
d) The study of biochemical processes in cells
Correct answer: b) The study of the microscopic structure of tissues
Rationale: Histology focuses on the microscopic anatomy of tissues, enabling
understanding of tissue organization and function at the cellular level.
2. Which staining technique is most commonly used to differentiate between nuclei and
cytoplasm in tissue sections?
a) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
b) Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)
c) Silver stain
d) Oil Red O
Correct answer: a) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
Rationale: H&E staining is the standard method in histology for visualizing tissue
architecture; hematoxylin stains nuclei blue-purple, and eosin stains cytoplasm pink.
3. Which of the following cell types is primarily responsible for the production of
collagen in connective tissue?
a) Fibroblast
b) Macrophage
c) Adipocyte
d) Mast cell
Correct answer: a) Fibroblast
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the main cells synthesizing and secreting collagen fibers,
which provide tensile strength to connective tissue.
4. Which tissue type is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix with closely packed
cells and minimal intercellular space?
a) Loose connective tissue
b) Dense connective tissue
c) Cartilage
d) Blood
Correct answer: b) Dense connective tissue
Rationale: Dense connective tissue has tightly packed collagen fibers with fewer cells,
providing strength and support.
5. A histological slide shows elongated, spindle-shaped cells with prominent nuclei
arranged in parallel bundles. Which tissue is most likely being observed?
, a) Skeletal muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Dense regular connective tissue
Correct answer: d) Dense regular connective tissue
Rationale: The spindle-shaped fibroblasts arranged in parallel bundles are
characteristic of dense regular connective tissue, such as tendons.
6. Select all the tissue types that contain elastic fibers.
a) Lung
b) Arteries
c) Tendons
d) Skin
Correct answers: a) Lung, b) Arteries, d) Skin
Rationale: Elastic fibers are abundant in tissues requiring elasticity, such as lungs,
elastic arteries, and skin, but tendons primarily contain collagen fibers.
7. Which epithelial tissue is best suited for areas subject to abrasion, such as the skin's
surface?
a) Simple cuboidal epithelium
b) Stratified squamous epithelium
c) Simple columnar epithelium
d) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Correct answer: b) Stratified squamous epithelium
Rationale: Stratified squamous epithelium provides a durable, protective barrier
suitable for high-abrasion areas like the skin.
8. In the context of histology, what is the primary function of goblet cells?
a) Secretion of enzymes
b) Mucus production
c) Absorption of nutrients
d) Sensory reception
Correct answer: b) Mucus production
Rationale: Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus to lubricate
and protect mucosal surfaces.
9. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cardiac muscle tissue?
a) Multinucleated fibers with voluntary control
b) Branched fibers with intercalated discs
c) Non-striated fibers with involuntary control
d) Single elongated cells with centrally located nuclei
, Correct answer: b) Branched fibers with intercalated discs
Rationale: Cardiac muscle fibers are branched and interconnected via intercalated
discs, facilitating synchronized contraction.
10. A tissue sample shows a matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans and fibroblasts. Which
connective tissue type is most likely observed?
a) Hyaline cartilage
b) Loose connective tissue
c) Dense irregular connective tissue
d) Areolar tissue
Correct answer: a) Hyaline cartilage
Rationale: Hyaline cartilage has a matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans, providing
resilience and support, with chondrocytes embedded within lacunae.
11. What is the primary function of adipocytes in connective tissue?
a) Collagen synthesis
b) Fat storage and energy reserve
c) Immune response
d) Blood cell production
Correct answer: b) Fat storage and energy reserve
Rationale: Adipocytes are specialized for storing triglycerides, serving as energy
reserves and providing insulation.
12. Which connective tissue component provides tensile strength and is primarily
composed of collagen fibers?
a) Ground substance
b) Elastic fibers
c) Collagen fibers
d) Reticular fibers
Correct answer: c) Collagen fibers
Rationale: Collagen fibers are thick, strong fibers that provide tensile strength to
tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
13. Which cell type is primarily involved in the immune response within connective
tissue?
a) Fibroblast
b) Macrophage
c) Chondrocyte
d) Erythrocyte
Correct answer: b) Macrophage
Rationale: Macrophages are immune cells that phagocytose pathogens and debris
within connective tissue.
Histology, 6th Edition
Authors :
James S. Lowe & Peter G. Anderson & Susan I. Anderson
, Chapter 1. Histology
1. Which of the following best describes histology as a field of study?
a) The study of the function of tissues
b) The study of the microscopic structure of tissues
c) The study of genetic material within cells
d) The study of biochemical processes in cells
Correct answer: b) The study of the microscopic structure of tissues
Rationale: Histology focuses on the microscopic anatomy of tissues, enabling
understanding of tissue organization and function at the cellular level.
2. Which staining technique is most commonly used to differentiate between nuclei and
cytoplasm in tissue sections?
a) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
b) Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)
c) Silver stain
d) Oil Red O
Correct answer: a) Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
Rationale: H&E staining is the standard method in histology for visualizing tissue
architecture; hematoxylin stains nuclei blue-purple, and eosin stains cytoplasm pink.
3. Which of the following cell types is primarily responsible for the production of
collagen in connective tissue?
a) Fibroblast
b) Macrophage
c) Adipocyte
d) Mast cell
Correct answer: a) Fibroblast
Rationale: Fibroblasts are the main cells synthesizing and secreting collagen fibers,
which provide tensile strength to connective tissue.
4. Which tissue type is characterized by a dense extracellular matrix with closely packed
cells and minimal intercellular space?
a) Loose connective tissue
b) Dense connective tissue
c) Cartilage
d) Blood
Correct answer: b) Dense connective tissue
Rationale: Dense connective tissue has tightly packed collagen fibers with fewer cells,
providing strength and support.
5. A histological slide shows elongated, spindle-shaped cells with prominent nuclei
arranged in parallel bundles. Which tissue is most likely being observed?
, a) Skeletal muscle
b) Smooth muscle
c) Cardiac muscle
d) Dense regular connective tissue
Correct answer: d) Dense regular connective tissue
Rationale: The spindle-shaped fibroblasts arranged in parallel bundles are
characteristic of dense regular connective tissue, such as tendons.
6. Select all the tissue types that contain elastic fibers.
a) Lung
b) Arteries
c) Tendons
d) Skin
Correct answers: a) Lung, b) Arteries, d) Skin
Rationale: Elastic fibers are abundant in tissues requiring elasticity, such as lungs,
elastic arteries, and skin, but tendons primarily contain collagen fibers.
7. Which epithelial tissue is best suited for areas subject to abrasion, such as the skin's
surface?
a) Simple cuboidal epithelium
b) Stratified squamous epithelium
c) Simple columnar epithelium
d) Pseudostratified columnar epithelium
Correct answer: b) Stratified squamous epithelium
Rationale: Stratified squamous epithelium provides a durable, protective barrier
suitable for high-abrasion areas like the skin.
8. In the context of histology, what is the primary function of goblet cells?
a) Secretion of enzymes
b) Mucus production
c) Absorption of nutrients
d) Sensory reception
Correct answer: b) Mucus production
Rationale: Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells that secrete mucus to lubricate
and protect mucosal surfaces.
9. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of cardiac muscle tissue?
a) Multinucleated fibers with voluntary control
b) Branched fibers with intercalated discs
c) Non-striated fibers with involuntary control
d) Single elongated cells with centrally located nuclei
, Correct answer: b) Branched fibers with intercalated discs
Rationale: Cardiac muscle fibers are branched and interconnected via intercalated
discs, facilitating synchronized contraction.
10. A tissue sample shows a matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans and fibroblasts. Which
connective tissue type is most likely observed?
a) Hyaline cartilage
b) Loose connective tissue
c) Dense irregular connective tissue
d) Areolar tissue
Correct answer: a) Hyaline cartilage
Rationale: Hyaline cartilage has a matrix rich in glycosaminoglycans, providing
resilience and support, with chondrocytes embedded within lacunae.
11. What is the primary function of adipocytes in connective tissue?
a) Collagen synthesis
b) Fat storage and energy reserve
c) Immune response
d) Blood cell production
Correct answer: b) Fat storage and energy reserve
Rationale: Adipocytes are specialized for storing triglycerides, serving as energy
reserves and providing insulation.
12. Which connective tissue component provides tensile strength and is primarily
composed of collagen fibers?
a) Ground substance
b) Elastic fibers
c) Collagen fibers
d) Reticular fibers
Correct answer: c) Collagen fibers
Rationale: Collagen fibers are thick, strong fibers that provide tensile strength to
tissues such as tendons and ligaments.
13. Which cell type is primarily involved in the immune response within connective
tissue?
a) Fibroblast
b) Macrophage
c) Chondrocyte
d) Erythrocyte
Correct answer: b) Macrophage
Rationale: Macrophages are immune cells that phagocytose pathogens and debris
within connective tissue.
