Blood Histology – MCQ

Test 1
Instruc(ons: For each histology ques(on, pick the one best answer. This histology test bank is
also useful for the histology ques(ons on the USMLE (USMLE step 1).

1.
Which of the four basic (ssue types does blood belong to?
a. Epithelium
b. Connec(ve (ssue
c. Muscle
d. Nervous (ssue
e. Blood

Answer: b

There are four basic (ssue types: epithelium, connec(ve (ssue, muscle and nervous (ssue.
Connec(ve (ssue is the most diverse. Blood is considered a type of connec(ve (ssue.

2.
Which of the following formed elements do not contain a nucleus?
a. Platelets
b. Erythrocytes
c. Leukocytes
d. Monocytes
e. Both a and b

Answer: e

Blood is composed of the formed elements and plasma. Plasma is the liquid por(on of blood.
The formed elements consist of the cells and cell fragments. The erythrocytes (red blood cells),
platelets, and leukocytes (white blood cells) are all considered formed elements.

Erythrocytes do not contain a nucleus. During their development within the bone marrow, they
have a nucleus. However, prior to their entering into the blood stream, the nucleus is ejected.

Platelets are cell fragments. Platelets also do not contain a nucleus. They are fragments from
megakaryocytes within the bone marrow. Leukocytes, which include monocytes, are cells with a
nucleus.

3.
What comes from a megakaryocyte?
a. Lymphocytes
b. Basophils
c. Erythrocytes
d. Monocytes
e. Platelets

Answer: e

Platelets are cell fragments. They are fragments from megakaryocytes within the bone marrow.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The prefix "mega" is from the Greek "megas" which means
great or big. For example: megaphone, megalomaniac, megabyte, and megakaryocyte.

4.
Which leukocyte is the most abundant in a peripheral smear of blood?
a. Lymphocytes
b. Basophils
c. Neutrophil
d. Monocytes
e. Eosinophils

Answer: c

Neutrophils are the most abundant leukocyte.

Leukocytes are the white blood cells. The order of frequency of the leukocytes is: neutrophil,
lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The order of frequency of the leukocytes can be
remembered by the mnemonic: "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas".

histology monkey
5.
Which of the following is not a granulocyte?
a. Lymphocytes
b. Neutrophil
c. PMN
d. Eosinophils
e. Basophils
Answer: a

The granulocytes are named because of the presence of visible cytoplasmic granules. The
granulocytes consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. "PMN" is an abbrevia(on for
polymorphonuclear neutrophil. Thus, it is a neutrophil, which is a granulocyte. The non-
granulocytes are lymphocytes and monocytes.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: Poly is from the Greek "polys", which means many. "Poly" is
also some(mes used as a nickname for polymorphonuclear leukocyte.

6.
Which of the following is a granulocyte?
a. Thrombocyte
b. Lymphocyte
c. Eosinophil
d. Monocyte
e. Erythrocyte

Answer: c

The granulocytes are named because of the presence of visible cytoplasmic granules. The
granulocytes consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. The non-granulocytes are
lymphocytes and monocytes. Erythrocytes are red blood cells. A thrombocyte is a platelet.

Note from Sarah Bellham: The suffix (or prefix) "phil" comes from the Greek word meaning love.
It is used to specify an a]rac(on or affinity towards something. It is seen in such words as
philosophy, philanthropy and bibliophile.

Histology heart
This suffix is used in naming the three granulocytes: eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils.
Eosinophils "love" or are a]racted to the eosin dye; thus the granules in an eosinophil are
orange/pink. Basophils "love" or are a]racted to the basophilic dye; thus the granules in a
basophil are blue. Neutrophils "love" or are a]racted to the neutral dye; thus the granules in a
neutrophil are neutral colored.

7.
Which of the following is NOT a term used for a neutrophil?
a. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils
b. Poly's
c. PMN
d. NP
e. Polymorph

Answer: d

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph".

8.
Which leukocyte has a mul(-lobed (3-5 lobes) nucleus?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: a

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph.

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Eosinophils are granulocytes. Eosinophils have prominent orange pink granules. The nucleus of
eosinophils is usually bi-lobed.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.

9.
Which cell has large blue granules, oeen obscuring the nucleus?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: e

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph".

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Eosinophils are granulocytes. Eosinophils have prominent orange pink granules. The nucleus of
eosinophils is usually bi-lobed.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.

10.
Which of the following is not considered a "formed element"?
a. Plasma
b. Erythrocytes
c. Platelets
d. Leukocytes
e. Red blood cells

Answer: a

Blood is composed of the formed elements and plasma. Plasma is the liquid por(on of blood.
The formed elements consist of the cells and cell fragments. The erythrocytes (red blood cells),
platelets, and leukocytes (white blood cells) are all considered formed elements.

Test 2

Instruc(ons: For each histology ques(on, pick the one best answer. This histology test bank is
also useful for the histology ques(ons on the USMLE (USMLE step 1).
1.
Approximately what percentage of the volume of blood do the formed elements comprise?
a. 5
b. 25
c. 45
d. 75
e. 90

Answer: c

Blood is composed of the formed elements and plasma. Plasma is the liquid por(on of blood.
The formed elements consist of the cells and cell fragments. The erythrocytes (red blood cells),
platelets, and leukocytes (white blood cells) are all considered formed elements.

When a sample of blood is centrifuged, the percentage occupied by the formed elements is the
hematocrit. An average hematocrit is about 45%.

2.
Which of the following is the most abundant in a peripheral smear of blood?
a. Neutrophils
b. Basophils
c. Erythrocytes
d. Leukocytes
e. Platelets

Answer: c

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are the most abundant formed element in a peripheral smear of
blood.

3.
Which leukocyte is the least abundant in a peripheral smear of blood?
a. Lymphocytes
b. Basophils
c. Neutrophil
d. Monocytes
e. Eosinophils

Answer: b

Basophils are the least abundant leukocyte.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The order of frequency of the leukocytes can be
remembered by the mnemonic: "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas".

histology monkey
4.
Which of the following is not a granulocyte?
a. PMN
b. Basophils
c. Neutrophil
d. Monocytes
e. Eosinophils

Answer: d

The granulocytes are named because of the presence of visible cytoplasmic granules. The
granulocytes consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. "PMN" is an abbrevia(on for
polymorphonuclear neutrophil. Thus, it is a neutrophil, which is a granulocyte. The non-
granulocytes are lymphocytes and monocytes.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: Poly is from the Greek "polys", which means many. "Poly" is
also some(mes used as a nickname for polymorphonuclear leukocyte.

5.
Which of the following is a granulocyte?
a. Thrombocyte
b. Monocyte
c. Lymphocyte
d. Basophil
e. Erythrocyte

Answer: d

The granulocytes are named because of the presence of visible cytoplasmic granules. The
granulocytes consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. The non-granulocytes are
lymphocytes and monocytes. Erythrocytes are red blood cells. A thrombocyte is a platelet.
Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The suffix (or prefix) "phil" comes from the Greek word
meaning love. It is used to specify an a]rac(on or affinity towards something. It is seen in such
words as philosophy, philanthropy and bibliophile.

Histology heart
This suffix is used in naming the three granulocytes: eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils.
Eosinophils "love" or are a]racted to the eosin dye; thus the granules in an eosinophil are
orange/pink. Basophils "love" or are a]racted to the basophilic dye; thus the granules in a
basophil are blue. Neutrophils "love" or are a]racted to the neutral dye; thus the granules in a
neutrophil are neutral colored.

6.
Which of the following is described as having a "central pallor"?
a. Leukocytes
b. Monocytes
c. Eosinophils
d. Platelets
e. Erythrocytes

Answer: e

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are described as biconcave discs. When stained, this phenomenon
results in the central por(on of the cell staining lighter, thus the "central pallor".

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: A biconcave disc can be visualized by holding two Frisbees
together so that the middle por(on is thinner than the top or bo]om.

7.
Which is the smallest leukocyte?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: b

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Eosinophils are granulocytes. Eosinophils have prominent orange pink granules. The nucleus of
eosinophils is usually bi-lobed.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.

8.
Which leukocyte usually has a bi-lobed nucleus?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: d

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph".

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.

9.
What is the buffy coat?
a. Leukocytes
b. Platelets
c. Erythrocytes
d. Plasma
e. Both a and b

Answer e:

The buffy coat is seen in a sample of centrifuged blood. It is the thin layer above the red blood
cells, but below the plasma. It consists of the leukocytes and platelets.

10.
What is another term for a platelet?
a. Thrombocyte
b. Monocyte
c. Lymphocyte
d. Basophil
e. Erythrocyte

Answer: a

A thrombocyte is another name for a platelet.

Instruc(ons: For each histology ques(on, pick the one best answer. This histology test bank is
also useful for the histology ques(ons on the USMLE (USMLE step 1).

1.
Which leukocyte is the second most abundant in a peripheral smear of blood?
a. Lymphocytes
b. Basophils
c. Neutrophil
d. Monocytes
e. Eosinophils
Answer: a

Lymphocytes are the second most abundant leukocyte.

Leukocytes are the white blood cells. The order of frequency of the leukocytes is: neutrophil,
lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil.

Histology hint fom Sarah Bellham: The order of frequency of the leukocytes can be remembered
by the mnemonic: "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas".

histology monkey
2.
Which of the following is a granulocyte?
a. Lymphocyte
b. Neutrophil
c. Monocyte
d. Erythrocyte
e. Thrombocyte

Answer: b

The granulocytes are named because of the presence of visible cytoplasmic granules. The
granulocytes consist of neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. The non-granulocytes are
lymphocytes and monocytes. Erythrocytes are red blood cells. A thrombocyte is a platelet.

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: The suffix (or prefix) "phil" comes from the Greek word
meaning love. It is used to specify an a]rac(on or affinity towards something. It is seen in such
words as philosophy, philanthropy and bibliophile.

Histology heart
This suffix is used in naming the three granulocytes: eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils.
Eosinophils "love" or are a]racted to the eosin dye; thus the granules in an eosinophil are
orange/pink. Basophils "love" or are a]racted to the basophilic dye; thus the granules in a
basophil are blue. Neutrophils "love" or are a]racted to the neutral dye; thus the granules in a
neutrophil are neutral colored.

3.
Which leukocyte has orange-pink granules?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: d

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph".

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Eosinophils are granulocytes. Eosinophils have prominent orange pink granules. The nucleus of
eosinophils is usually bi-lobed.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.

4.
What is another term for a red blood cell?
a. Thrombocyte
b. Monocyte
c. Lymphocyte
d. Basophil
e. Erythrocyte

Answer: e

An erythrocyte is another name for a red blood cell.

5.
Which of the following is described as a "biconcave disc"?
a. Platelets
b. Erythrocytes
c. Leukocytes
d. Monocytes
e. Eosinophils
Answer: b

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are described as biconcave discs. When stained, this phenomenon
results in the central por(on of the cell staining lighter, thus the "central pallor".

Histology hint from Sarah Bellham: A biconcave disc can be visualized by holding two Frisbees
together so that the middle por(on is thinner than the top or bo]om.

6.
Which is the largest leukocyte?
a. Neutrophil
b. Lymphocytes
c. Monocytes
d. Eosinophil
e. Basophils

Answer: c

The leukocytes consist of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils.

Neutrophils are granulocytes. Neutrophils have a mul(-lobed nucleus. The lobes are separated
by a thin strand. Because of the shape of the nucleus, neutrophils are also called
"polymorphonuclear neutrophils", "poly's", "PMN", or "polymorph".

Lymphocytes are agranulocytes. Lymphocytes can be categorized by three sizes: small, medium,
and large. The small lymphocytes are the smallest leukocyte, being only slightly larger than an
erythrocyte.

Monocytes are agranulocytes. They are the largest leukocyte.

Eosinophils are granulocytes. Eosinophils have prominent orange pink granules. The nucleus of
eosinophils is usually bi-lobed.

Basophils are granulocytes. Basophils have large blue granules, which oeen obscure the
nucleus. The granules are basophilic, therefore they are blue.