BIOD 152 AP2 LAB 4 ACTUAL EXAM 2026/2027 | Portage Learning |
25 Questions with Rationales | Complete Answer Key | Updated Lab
Edition | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Q1 (Histology Identification): The photomicrograph below shows thyroid gland tissue at
medium magnification. Three distinct structures are labeled with arrows.
Identify structures A, B, and C:
A. _____________
B. _____________
C. _____________
Correct Answer:
A. Thyroid follicle (containing colloid) [CORRECT]
B. Follicular cells (simple cuboidal epithelium) [CORRECT]
C. Parafollicular cells (C cells) [CORRECT]
Rationale:
TableCopy
Structure Histological Appearance Function
Spherical structures of varying sizes Storage site for thyroid hormone
Thyroid
filled with homogeneous, precursor; lumen contains iodinated
follicle (A)
pink-staining colloid (thyroglobulin) thyroglobulin
Follicular cells Simple cuboidal epithelium lining Synthesize thyroglobulin, iodinate
(B) follicles; cells appear as single layer tyrosine residues, produce T3 and T4
with round nuclei; height varies with
, activity (low cuboidal when inactive,
columnar when active)
Larger cells with pale cytoplasm
located in interfollicular spaces
Parafollicular Produce calcitonin; regulate calcium
(between follicles) or embedded in
cells/C cells homeostasis by inhibiting
follicular epithelium; distinct from
(C) osteoclasts
follicular cells by lighter staining and
location
Distinguishing features in lab:
● Follicular cells form the wall of follicles; C cells are between follicles
● Colloid appears as dense, homogeneous pink material in H&E staining
● C cells may require immunohistochemistry for definitive identification in some
preparations
Common student errors: Confusing parafollicular cells with follicular cells; failing to
recognize colloid as intrafollicular material; misidentifying C cells as capillary
endothelial cells.
Q2 (Diagram Labeling): The diagram below shows a sagittal section of the human head
and neck with major endocrine glands numbered 1-8.
Identify the glands labeled 1-8:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
,Correct Answer:
1. Pineal gland [CORRECT]
2. Hypothalamus [CORRECT]
3. Pituitary gland [CORRECT]
4. Thyroid gland [CORRECT]
5. Parathyroid glands [CORRECT]
6. Thymus [CORRECT]
7. Adrenal glands [CORRECT]
8. Pancreas [CORRECT]
Rationale:
TableCopy
# Gland Location Key Anatomical Relationships
Posterior to third ventricle, above
Attached to posterior roof of third
1 Pineal superior colliculi, below splenium of
ventricle; calcifies with age (brain sand)
corpus callosum
Hypot
Floor and lower lateral wall of third Connected to pituitary via infundibulum
2 halam
ventricle; below thalamus (stalk); contains neurosecretory nuclei
us
Connected to hypothalamus by
Pituita Sella turcica of sphenoid bone; inferior
3 infundibulum; optic chiasm superior and
ry to hypothalamus
anterior
Thyroi Anterior neck, C5-T1 level; anterior to Isthmus anterior to 2nd-4th tracheal
4
d trachea rings; two lateral lobes
, Embedded in thyroid capsule
Parath Posterior surface of thyroid lobes;
5 posteriorly; critical to identify during
yroid usually 4 glands (2 superior, 2 inferior)
thyroidectomy
Anterior superior mediastinum;
Thymu Largest in childhood; involutes with age;
6 posterior to sternum; anterior to
s replaced by fat
pericardium
Right: pyramidal; Left: semilunar;
Adren Superior pole of each kidney;
7 enclosed in renal fascia but separate
al retroperitoneal
capsule
Pancr Upper abdomen; posterior to stomach; Head in C-loop of duodenum; tail near
8
eas transverse splenic hilum; body crosses L1-L2
Clinical correlation: Surgical anatomy requires precise knowledge of these
relationships—parathyroid glands can be accidentally removed during thyroid surgery;
pituitary surgery uses transsphenoidal approach through nasal cavity.
Q3 (Multiple Choice): Which zone of the adrenal cortex is characterized by small, arched
clusters of cells immediately beneath the capsule and produces mineralocorticoids?
A. Zona reticularis
B. Zona fasciculata
C. Zona glomerulosa [CORRECT]
D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: C
25 Questions with Rationales | Complete Answer Key | Updated Lab
Edition | Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Q1 (Histology Identification): The photomicrograph below shows thyroid gland tissue at
medium magnification. Three distinct structures are labeled with arrows.
Identify structures A, B, and C:
A. _____________
B. _____________
C. _____________
Correct Answer:
A. Thyroid follicle (containing colloid) [CORRECT]
B. Follicular cells (simple cuboidal epithelium) [CORRECT]
C. Parafollicular cells (C cells) [CORRECT]
Rationale:
TableCopy
Structure Histological Appearance Function
Spherical structures of varying sizes Storage site for thyroid hormone
Thyroid
filled with homogeneous, precursor; lumen contains iodinated
follicle (A)
pink-staining colloid (thyroglobulin) thyroglobulin
Follicular cells Simple cuboidal epithelium lining Synthesize thyroglobulin, iodinate
(B) follicles; cells appear as single layer tyrosine residues, produce T3 and T4
with round nuclei; height varies with
, activity (low cuboidal when inactive,
columnar when active)
Larger cells with pale cytoplasm
located in interfollicular spaces
Parafollicular Produce calcitonin; regulate calcium
(between follicles) or embedded in
cells/C cells homeostasis by inhibiting
follicular epithelium; distinct from
(C) osteoclasts
follicular cells by lighter staining and
location
Distinguishing features in lab:
● Follicular cells form the wall of follicles; C cells are between follicles
● Colloid appears as dense, homogeneous pink material in H&E staining
● C cells may require immunohistochemistry for definitive identification in some
preparations
Common student errors: Confusing parafollicular cells with follicular cells; failing to
recognize colloid as intrafollicular material; misidentifying C cells as capillary
endothelial cells.
Q2 (Diagram Labeling): The diagram below shows a sagittal section of the human head
and neck with major endocrine glands numbered 1-8.
Identify the glands labeled 1-8:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
,Correct Answer:
1. Pineal gland [CORRECT]
2. Hypothalamus [CORRECT]
3. Pituitary gland [CORRECT]
4. Thyroid gland [CORRECT]
5. Parathyroid glands [CORRECT]
6. Thymus [CORRECT]
7. Adrenal glands [CORRECT]
8. Pancreas [CORRECT]
Rationale:
TableCopy
# Gland Location Key Anatomical Relationships
Posterior to third ventricle, above
Attached to posterior roof of third
1 Pineal superior colliculi, below splenium of
ventricle; calcifies with age (brain sand)
corpus callosum
Hypot
Floor and lower lateral wall of third Connected to pituitary via infundibulum
2 halam
ventricle; below thalamus (stalk); contains neurosecretory nuclei
us
Connected to hypothalamus by
Pituita Sella turcica of sphenoid bone; inferior
3 infundibulum; optic chiasm superior and
ry to hypothalamus
anterior
Thyroi Anterior neck, C5-T1 level; anterior to Isthmus anterior to 2nd-4th tracheal
4
d trachea rings; two lateral lobes
, Embedded in thyroid capsule
Parath Posterior surface of thyroid lobes;
5 posteriorly; critical to identify during
yroid usually 4 glands (2 superior, 2 inferior)
thyroidectomy
Anterior superior mediastinum;
Thymu Largest in childhood; involutes with age;
6 posterior to sternum; anterior to
s replaced by fat
pericardium
Right: pyramidal; Left: semilunar;
Adren Superior pole of each kidney;
7 enclosed in renal fascia but separate
al retroperitoneal
capsule
Pancr Upper abdomen; posterior to stomach; Head in C-loop of duodenum; tail near
8
eas transverse splenic hilum; body crosses L1-L2
Clinical correlation: Surgical anatomy requires precise knowledge of these
relationships—parathyroid glands can be accidentally removed during thyroid surgery;
pituitary surgery uses transsphenoidal approach through nasal cavity.
Q3 (Multiple Choice): Which zone of the adrenal cortex is characterized by small, arched
clusters of cells immediately beneath the capsule and produces mineralocorticoids?
A. Zona reticularis
B. Zona fasciculata
C. Zona glomerulosa [CORRECT]
D. Adrenal medulla
Correct Answer: C
