NBME Histology 2

Question 1

Which epithelial type lines the urinary bladder and can change shape with distension?

Accepted Answer

Transitional (urothelium)

Answer

Transitional epithelium (urothelium) is unique to the urinary tract and flattens as the bladder fills.

Question 2

Goblet cells secrete mucus and are scattered among which epithelial cell type in the small intestine?

Accepted Answer

Simple columnar absorptive cells

Answer

The small intestinal lining is simple columnar epithelium interspersed with mucus-secreting goblet cells.

Question 3

Reticular fibers, which form the scaffolding of lymph nodes and the liver, are composed primarily of which collagen type?

Accepted Answer

Type III collagen

Answer

Reticular fibers are thin Type III collagen fibers that stain with silver and support hematopoietic and lymphoid organs.

Question 4

Which connective tissue is characterized by irregularly arranged collagen bundles and is found in the dermis of the skin?

Accepted Answer

Dense irregular connective tissue

Answer

Dense irregular connective tissue has randomly oriented collagen bundles that resist tension from multiple directions, as in the dermis.

Question 5

Mast cells degranulate in response to IgE-mediated stimuli, releasing which primary vasoactive mediator?

Accepted Answer

Histamine

Answer

Mast cell granules are packed with histamine, which causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability during allergic reactions.

NBME Practice Test