Pathology MCQs
Pathology MCQs are designed to test a student's understanding of disease mechanisms, histopathology, and clinical correlations. Questions range from general pathology to systemic diseases affecting organs like the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Ideal for MDCAT, NTS, USMLE, and FCPS aspirants, these quizzes help reinforce critical concepts and bridge the gap between theory and clinical application.
Q: The main function of mast cells in inflammation
A) Secrete antibodies
B) Synthesize collagen
C) Release histamine
D) Phagocytosis
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Mast cells release histamine and other mediators that initiate vascular changes in inflammation.
Q: Atypia in cells is most often associated with
A) Pre-malignant or malignant transformation
B) Benign conditions
C) Normal development
D) Nutritional deficiency
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Cellular atypia refers to abnormal morphology that may indicate dysplasia or neoplasia.
Q: Increased ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) suggests
A) Increased red cell count
B) Normal immune activity
C) Acute blood loss
D) Ongoing inflammation
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: ESR rises in response to acute phase reactants during inflammation.
Q: A common feature of malignant neoplasms
A) Encapsulation
B) Uniform nuclei
C) Slow growth
D) Metastasis
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Metastasis is a defining feature of malignant tumors, indicating their ability to spread.
Q: Anemia in chronic disease is typically
A) Normocytic and normochromic
B) Macrocytic and megaloblastic
C) Microcytic and hypochromic
D) Hemolytic and regenerative
✅ Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Anemia of chronic disease usually presents as normocytic normochromic due to impaired iron utilization.
Q: The dominant cell type in acute inflammation
A) Lymphocyte
B) Plasma cell
C) Neutrophil
D) Eosinophil
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Neutrophils rapidly migrate to the site of injury and dominate early inflammatory responses.
Q: Apoptosis differs from necrosis by
A) Random cell swelling
B) Energy-dependent cell death
C) Disrupting tissue structure
D) Inducing inflammation
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Apoptosis is a programmed, energy-dependent process that avoids inflammation.
Q: Caseous necrosis is a hallmark of
A) Viral hepatitis
B) Myocardial infarction
C) Tuberculosis
D) Fatty liver
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Tuberculosis causes caseous necrosis, resulting in cheese-like tissue appearance.
Q: The appearance of Reed-Sternberg cells suggests
A) Leukemia
B) Hodgkin lymphoma
C) Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
D) Multiple myeloma
✅ Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Reed-Sternberg cells are characteristic of Hodgkin lymphoma and aid in diagnosis.
Q: A high neutrophil count typically indicates
A) Allergic reaction
B) Viral illness
C) Parasitic infection
D) Bacterial infection
✅ Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Neutrophilia is often seen in response to bacterial infections.