Basic Techniques in Histology Quizzes - Learn Histology Techniques Online

Question 1

In the field of histology, which fixative is most commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Formalin

Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Acetic acid

Question 2

What is the purpose of embedding tissue samples in paraffin wax?

Accepted Answer

To facilitate thin sectioning using a microtome

Answer

To preserve tissue structures

Answer

To enhance tissue staining

Answer

To remove water from the tissue

Question 3

Which staining method is commonly used to visualize basic structures such as nuclei and cytoplasm?

Accepted Answer

H&E staining

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining

Answer

Oil Red O staining

Question 4

What is the primary function of a microtome in histology?

Accepted Answer

To cut thin sections of tissue

Answer

To stain tissue samples

Answer

To fix tissue samples

Question 5

Which microscopy technique offers the highest resolution?

Accepted Answer

Electron microscopy

Answer

Light microscopy

Answer

Confocal microscopy

Answer

Phase-contrast microscopy

Question 6

What is the main purpose of dehydration during tissue processing?

Accepted Answer

To remove water from the tissue

Answer

To preserve tissue structures

Answer

To prevent bacterial growth

Answer

To enhance tissue staining

Question 7

What is the primary role of a cryostat in histology?

Accepted Answer

To cut frozen sections of tissue

Answer

To fix tissue samples

Answer

To stain tissue sections

Answer

To embed tissue samples

Question 8

What is the overall purpose of using a coverslip in microscopy?

Accepted Answer

To protect the specimen and enhance the refractive index, preventing tissue sections from drying out

Answer

To protect the specimen and enhance the refractive index

Answer

To protect the specimen and prevent tissue sections from drying out

Answer

To enhance the refractive index and prevent tissue sections from drying out

Question 9

What is the crucial function of a fixative in histology?

Accepted Answer

Preserving tissue structure and components

Answer

Enhancing staining intensity

Answer

Removing water content from the tissue

Answer

Softening the tissue for easier sectioning

Question 10

Which commonly used staining technique is specifically employed to visualize cell nuclei?

Accepted Answer

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)

Answer

Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Sudan black

Question 11

What is the primary purpose of dehydration in tissue processing?

Accepted Answer

Removing water from the tissue to facilitate embedding

Answer

Enhancing tissue structure for improved microscopy

Answer

Eliminating lipid components from the tissue

Answer

Preparing the tissue for subsequent staining

Question 12

What is the primary role of a microtome in histology?

Accepted Answer

Precisely cutting thin sections of tissue

Answer

Staining tissue samples

Answer

Fixing tissue specimens

Answer

Imaging histological sections

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a primary fixative commonly used in histology?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Formalin

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Bouin's solution

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of embedding tissues in paraffin wax in histology?

Accepted Answer

To provide support and stability during sectioning

Answer

To dehydrate the tissue

Answer

To enhance the visibility of specific cellular components

Answer

To facilitate the penetration of antibodies

Question 15

Fundamental to immunohistochemistry is the use of:

Accepted Answer

Antibodies to bind to specific proteins in the tissue

Answer

Fluorescent dyes to label specific cell types

Answer

Enzymes to visualize the distribution of certain molecules

Answer

Radioisotopes to track the movement of cells

Question 16

In histology, a cryostat is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Creating thin sections of frozen tissue for immunohistochemistry

Answer

Fixing tissues prior to embedding

Answer

Embedding tissues in paraffin wax

Answer

Staining tissues for microscopy

Question 17

Due to its delicate nature, which type of tissue requires special care during histological processing?

Accepted Answer

Brain tissue

Answer

Muscle tissue

Answer

Skin tissue

Answer

Bone tissue

Question 18

Which of the following is **not** a primary fixative used for preserving histological specimens?

Accepted Answer

Ethanol

Answer

Glutaraldehyde

Answer

Formalin

Question 19

What is the primary purpose of dehydration during tissue processing?

Accepted Answer

To remove water from the tissue to prepare it for embedding.

Answer

To dissolve lipids from the tissue.

Answer

To permeabilize the cell membrane.

Answer

To stain the tissue.

Question 20

Which of the following is a type of progressive staining technique commonly used in histology?

Accepted Answer

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Answer

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Answer

Electron microscopy

Question 21

What is a key advantage of using a confocal microscope over a conventional light microscope in histology?

Accepted Answer

It provides higher resolution, optical sectioning, and 3D reconstruction capabilities.

Answer

It is cheaper and easier to use.

Answer

It can visualize living cells.

Question 22

Which of the following is an artifact that can occur during tissue processing and compromise histological examination?

Accepted Answer

Shrinkage

Answer

Mitotic figures

Answer

Lymphocyte infiltration

Answer

Overstaining

Question 23

What is the primary purpose of embedding tissues in paraffin wax in histology?

Accepted Answer

To provide support and rigidity for thin sectioning.

Answer

To preserve the tissue's structure.

Answer

To facilitate electron microscopy.

Answer

To enhance staining intensity.

Question 24

Which type of microtome is specifically designed for cutting paraffin-embedded tissue sections in histology laboratories?

Accepted Answer

Rotary microtome

Answer

Vibratome

Answer

Cryostat

Answer

Ultramicrotome

Question 25

What is the primary function of a coverslip in microscopy?

Accepted Answer

To protect the specimen, improve image quality, and prevent contamination.

Answer

To facilitate sectioning.

Answer

To reduce glare and reflections.

Answer

To enhance staining intensity.

Question 26

Which of the following is a cytological preparation technique used for examining exfoliated cells, commonly used in cancer screening?

Accepted Answer

Pap smear

Answer

Tissue microarray

Answer

Frozen section

Answer

Immunohistochemistry

Question 27

What is a primary ethical responsibility of a histology technician in handling patient specimens?

Accepted Answer

To maintain patient confidentiality, respect their dignity, and handle specimens with care.

Answer

To ensure rapid turnaround times for results.

Answer

To prioritize research over diagnostic purposes.