21 Year 3: General Pathology exam questions on General Pathology I for medical students. Includes MCQs, answers, explanations and written questions. Sample: Nam
This MCQ set contains 21 questions on General Pathology I in the Year 3: General Pathology unit. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation for active recall and exam preparation.
Correct answer: E – A, B, and C
Cells are categorized into three types based on their proliferative capacity: labile cells (continuously dividing), stable cells (divide when stimulated), and permanent cells (non-dividing post-mitotic cells). ---
Correct answer: E – Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by eosinophilia and smooth muscle hypertrophy, not granulomatous inflammation. The others all cause granulomatous reactions. ---
Correct answer: E – Hormones
While hormones can modulate inflammatory responses, they are not considered primary chemical mediators of chronic inflammation. Leukotrienes, complement, interleukins, and cytokines are key inflammatory mediators. ---
Correct answer: A – Macrophages
Macrophages are the hallmark cells of chronic inflammation, responsible for phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and secretion of inflammatory mediators and growth factors. ---
Correct answer: E – None of the above
All listed options (denervation, ischemia, malnutrition, and muscle disease) are valid causes of pathological atrophy - reduction in cell size and organ mass. ---
Correct answer: E – None of the above
All listed functions can be part of cellular adaptations. Cells can adapt to perform various functions including phagocytosis, antigen processing, secretion, and lysis in response to environmental changes. ---
Correct answer: C – Normal protein synthesis
Normal protein synthesis is a sign of cellular health, not injury. Cell injury involves mitochondrial dysfunction, membrane damage, calcium dysregulation, and lysosomal enzyme leakage. ---
Correct answer: E – Central necrotic area, epithelioid cells and lymphocytes
Tuberculous granulomas are characterized by central caseating necrosis surrounded by epithelioid cells, Langhans giant cells, and a peripheral layer of lymphocytes and plasma cells. ---
Correct answer: E – Infiltration with neutrophils
Neutrophil infiltration is characteristic of acute inflammation. Chronic inflammation is characterized by macrophage infiltration, angiogenesis, repair attempts, and tissue destruction. ---
Correct answer: C – Hypertrophy
Heart and kidney cells are primarily post-mitotic, so they respond to increased workload by increasing cell size (hypertrophy) rather than cell number (hyperplasia). ---
Correct answer: B – Decreased colloid osmotic pressure
Albumin is the major contributor to plasma oncotic pressure. Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia) decreases colloid osmotic pressure, leading to fluid extravasation and edema. ---
Correct answer: A – Integrins
Integrins on leukocytes bind to adhesion molecules (like ICAM-1) on endothelial cells, allowing firm adhesion before transmigration. Selectins mediate rolling, not firm adhesion. ---
Correct answer: A – Neutrophil
Neutrophils are the first and most numerous leukocytes recruited during acute inflammation, arriving within hours to perform phagocytosis and antimicrobial functions. ---
Correct answer: A – Collagenases
Collagenases are non-oxidative enzymes. The oxidative arm of phagocytosis produces reactive oxygen species like superoxide (O2-), nitrates, and hypohalites (including iodine compounds). ---
Correct answer: D – Synthesis of intracellular proteins (ICM)
Wound healing involves extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis, not intracellular proteins. The process includes inflammation, cell regeneration, migration/proliferation, and tissue remodeling. ---
Correct answer: E – All of the above
Secondary healing (healing by second intention) involves all these features compared to primary healing: larger defects, more intense inflammation, extensive granulation tissue, and significant wound contraction. ---
Correct answer: D – Absence of glucocorticoids
The absence of glucocorticoids would actually improve wound healing, as glucocorticoids impair healing by suppressing inflammation and collagen synthesis. The other factors all negatively affect healing. ---
Correct answer: E – Hypovolaemic Shock
Hemorrhage leads to blood volume loss, resulting in hypovolemic shock. The other shock types have different etiologies: cardiac dysfunction, infection, neurological injury, and allergic reactions respectively. ---
Correct answer: D – Malnutrition
In developing countries, protein-energy malnutrition (kwashiorkor) is the most common cause of hypoproteinemic edema due to inadequate protein intake leading to low albumin synthesis. ---
Correct answer: D – Potassium retention
Potassium retention doesn't directly cause edema. Edema results from increased hydrostatic pressure, decreased oncotic pressure, lymphatic obstruction, increased vascular permeability (inflammation), and sodium retention. --- SECTION B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (5 MARKS EACH)
Correct answer: A – Hypoxia: Reduced oxygen availability to tissues despite adequate perfusion. Can result from respiratory disease, anemia, carbon monoxide poisoning, or