CMI CMI Pathology & Disease Processes

Question 1

Which cellular change is characteristic of irreversible cell injury leading to necrosis?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear pyknosis

Answer

Nuclear pyknosis—chromatin condensation and nuclear shrinkage—is a hallmark of irreversible cell injury progressing to necrosis.

Question 2

In illustrating atherosclerosis, which layer of the arterial wall does the fatty streak primarily involve?

Accepted Answer

Tunica intima

Answer

Atherosclerotic fatty streaks form in the tunica intima, where lipid-laden macrophages (foam cells) accumulate beneath the endothelium.

Question 3

Which type of necrosis is most associated with liquefaction in brain infarcts?

Accepted Answer

Liquefactive necrosis

Answer

Liquefactive necrosis predominates in brain infarcts because the CNS lacks the stromal scaffold that supports coagulative patterns.

Question 4

When depicting tumor angiogenesis, which growth factor is the primary driver of new vessel formation?

Accepted Answer

VEGF

Answer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the principal mediator of tumor-induced angiogenesis, stimulating endothelial proliferation and migration.

Question 5

Apoptotic cells are best identified histologically by which feature?

Accepted Answer

Apoptotic bodies with condensed chromatin

Answer

Apoptotic bodies are compact membrane-bound fragments containing condensed chromatin and organelles, distinguishing apoptosis from necrosis.

(CMI) Certified Medical Illustrator Practice Test

(CMI) Certified Medical Illustrator Practice Test

CMI CMI Pathology & Disease Processes