QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
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This Histology NBME 2026 comprehensive exam question bank provides 300
unique multiple-choice questions covering all major histology topics. Section 1
addresses cell biology and microscopy, including organelles, membrane structure,
and cell junctions. Section 2 covers epithelial tissue types, functions, and glandular
epithelium. Section 3 focuses on connective tissue, including cells, fibers,
cartilage, and bone. Section 4 examines muscle tissue: skeletal, cardiac, and
smooth muscle structure and function. Section 5 covers nervous tissue, neurons,
neuroglia, and brain regions. Section 6 explores organ systems and special
histology including respiratory, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and reproductive
systems. Each question includes four answer choices, the correct answer, and a
detailed rationale explaining the histological principle tested.
Section 1: Cell Biology and Microscopy (Questions 1-40)
Question 1
Nuclear pores:
A. Combine to form a hexagonal structure
B. Have 50nm in diameter
C. Their number is not connected with cellular activity
D. Nuclear lamina are connected to their inner rings
E. A and C are correct
F. B and D are correct
Correct Answer: E
Rationale: Nuclear pores can organize into hexagonal arrays, and the number of
pores is often linked to how metabolically active a cell is. The nuclear lamina is
connected to the inner ring of the nuclear pore complex.
,Question 2
The plasma membrane consists of the following elements except:
A. Transmembrane proteins
B. Peripheral proteins
C. Cholesterol
D. Microfibers
E. A and C are correct
F. B and D are correct
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The plasma membrane is a lipid bilayer composed of phospholipids,
cholesterol, and proteins (transmembrane and peripheral). Microfibers are not a
component of the plasma membrane.
Question 3
A process by which liquid droplets are ingested by living cells is:
A. Active transport
B. Phagocytosis
C. Pinocytosis
D. Facilitated diffusion
E. A and C are correct
F. B and D are correct
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pinocytosis is the process by which cells ingest liquid droplets.
Phagocytosis involves the ingestion of solid particles.
Question 4
Which of the following organelles is responsible for protein synthesis?
A. Golgi apparatus
B. Ribosomes
C. Lysosomes
D. Mitochondria
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis, translating mRNA into
polypeptide chains. The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins,
lysosomes contain digestive enzymes, and mitochondria produce ATP.
Question 5
The primary function of the Golgi apparatus is:
A. ATP synthesis
B. Protein modification and packaging
,C. Lipid synthesis
D. Waste degradation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids
for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Question 6
Which of the following is the site of ATP production in the cell?
A. Nucleus
B. Ribosome
C. Mitochondria
D. Endoplasmic reticulum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, producing ATP through
oxidative phosphorylation.
Question 7
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is characterized by:
A. The absence of ribosomes
B. The presence of ribosomes
C. Lipid synthesis
D. Detoxification
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rough ER is studded with ribosomes and is involved in protein
synthesis and modification. Smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid
synthesis and detoxification.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a function of the cytoskeleton?
A. Maintaining cell shape
B. Cell motility
C. Intracellular transport
D. Protein synthesis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The cytoskeleton provides structural support, facilitates cell movement,
and enables intracellular transport. Protein synthesis occurs on ribosomes.
Question 9
Microtubules are composed of:
A. Actin
, B. Tubulin
C. Keratin
D. Vimentin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Microtubules are polymers of alpha- and beta-tubulin dimers. Actin
forms microfilaments, keratin forms intermediate filaments in epithelial cells, and
vimentin is an intermediate filament in mesenchymal cells.
Question 10
Which of the following is a function of lysosomes?
A. Protein synthesis
B. Lipid synthesis
C. Intracellular digestion
D. ATP production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest macromolecules,
worn-out organelles, and foreign materials.
Question 11
The nucleolus is the site of:
A. DNA replication
B. Ribosomal RNA synthesis
C. Protein synthesis
D. Lipid synthesis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nucleolus is a specialized region of the nucleus where ribosomal
RNA (rRNA) is synthesized and ribosomal subunits are assembled.
Question 12
Which of the following is a characteristic of apoptosis?
A. Cell swelling
B. Inflammation
C. Programmed cell death
D. Random DNA degradation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Apoptosis is programmed cell death characterized by cell shrinkage,
chromatin condensation, and apoptotic body formation without inflammation.
Necrosis involves cell swelling and inflammation.
Question 13