Anatomy Exam Histology of Connective Tissues 4

Question 1

In Marfan syndrome, the primary structural defect involves which connective tissue protein?

Accepted Answer

Fibrillin-1

Answer

Marfan syndrome results from mutations in the FBN1 gene encoding fibrillin-1, a major component of elastic fiber microfibrils.

Question 2

Which connective tissue type is found in the stroma of the liver and spleen?

Accepted Answer

Reticular

Answer

Reticular connective tissue forms the supporting stroma of lymphoid organs and parenchymal organs such as the liver and spleen.

Question 3

Proteoglycans contribute to tissue hydration primarily because glycosaminoglycan chains are:

Accepted Answer

Highly negatively charged and attract cations and water

Answer

The high density of negative charges on GAG chains attracts cations and osmotically draws large amounts of water into the matrix.

Question 4

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for degrading collagen in normal tissue remodeling?

Accepted Answer

Matrix metalloproteinase (collagenase)

Answer

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), specifically collagenases (MMP-1, MMP-8, MMP-13), cleave native collagen triple helices during remodeling.

Question 5

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI is caused by a deficiency in which enzyme?

Accepted Answer

Lysyl hydroxylase

Answer

EDS type VI results from lysyl hydroxylase deficiency, impairing hydroxylysine formation and subsequent cross-linking of collagen fibers.

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