Dermatologist Certificate Dermatopathology and Histology

Question 1

Which histological finding is considered pathognomonic of psoriasis?

Accepted Answer

Munro microabscesses

Answer

Munro microabscesses are collections of neutrophils within the parakeratotic stratum corneum and are pathognomonic of psoriasis.

Question 2

In which epidermal layer are melanocytes primarily located?

Accepted Answer

Stratum basale

Answer

Melanocytes reside in the stratum basale (basal layer), where they synthesize melanin and transfer it to surrounding keratinocytes via dendrites.

Question 3

In dermatopathology, 'spongiosis' refers to which histological finding?

Accepted Answer

Intercellular edema within the epidermis

Answer

Spongiosis is intercellular edema between keratinocytes, causing the epidermis to appear sponge-like on histology and is the hallmark of eczematous dermatitis.

Question 4

Civatte bodies (colloid/hyaline bodies) are characteristic of which dermatological condition?

Accepted Answer

Lichen planus

Answer

Civatte bodies are apoptotic keratinocytes (eosinophilic globules) seen at the dermal-epidermal junction in lichen planus due to interface dermatitis.

Question 5

Subepidermal blisters with neutrophilic microabscesses in dermal papillae are histologically characteristic of which condition?

Accepted Answer

Dermatitis herpetiformis

Answer

Dermatitis herpetiformis shows subepidermal blisters with neutrophil-rich microabscesses at dermal papillae tips, corresponding to granular IgA deposits.

Dermatologist Certificate Practice Test

Dermatologist Certificate Practice Test

Dermatologist Certificate Dermatopathology and Histology