BMS Pathology and Microbiology 3

Question 1

Which type of granuloma, characterized by central caseation necrosis, is pathognomonic of tuberculosis?

Accepted Answer

Caseating granuloma

Answer

Caseating granulomas with central cheesy necrosis surrounded by epithelioid histiocytes and Langhans giant cells are characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Question 2

A decedent's liver shows a large abscess containing 'anchovy paste' material. Which organism is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Entamoeba histolytica

Answer

E. histolytica produces hepatic abscesses with characteristic reddish-brown 'anchovy paste' or 'chocolate sauce' contents due to liquefied necrotic hepatocytes.

Question 3

Which cell type predominates in a chronic inflammatory infiltrate observed histologically?

Accepted Answer

Lymphocytes and macrophages

Answer

Chronic inflammation is characterized by lymphocytes, macrophages, and plasma cells rather than the neutrophils seen in acute inflammation.

Question 4

During embalming, the formaldehyde-based solution acts as a fixative primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Cross-linking proteins

Answer

Formaldehyde creates methylene bridge cross-links between amino groups of proteins, halting autolysis and microbial decomposition.

Question 5

Which stain is used to identify acid-fast organisms such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissue sections?

Accepted Answer

Ziehl-Neelsen stain

Answer

The Ziehl-Neelsen (carbol-fuchsin) stain highlights mycobacteria as bright red rods on a blue background due to their waxy cell walls.

BMS - Bachelor of Mortuary Science Practice Test

BMS - Bachelor of Mortuary Science Practice Test

BMS Pathology and Microbiology 3