General anatomy and histology: practice question

A Anatomy question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Anatomy · General anatomy and histology

Sample item

A newborn develops blisters from minor friction because the epidermis separates from the dermis. The defect affects the junction that links basal keratinocytes to the basement membrane through integrins. Which junction is this?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Hemidesmosome

Hemidesmosomes anchor the basal cell to the basement membrane using integrin alpha6 beta4 and attach to keratin. Desmosomes join neighbouring cells, so a basal-lamina anchoring defect produces junctional blistering.

Option by option

  • A. Gap junction

    Gap junctions are connexon channels for ion and small molecule passage.

  • B. Macula adherens (desmosome)

    Desmosomes join adjacent keratinocytes to each other using cadherins, not to the matrix.

  • C. Zonula occludens

    Zonula occludens seals the apical paracellular space and does not anchor to the membrane.

  • D. Hemidesmosome (correct)

    Correct. Hemidesmosomes bind basal cells to the basement membrane through integrins.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is D, Hemidesmosome. Hemidesmosomes anchor the basal cell to the basement membrane using integrin alpha6 beta4 and attach to keratin.

Why is "Gap junction" not the answer?

Gap junctions are connexon channels for ion and small molecule passage.

Why is "Macula adherens (desmosome)" not the answer?

Desmosomes join adjacent keratinocytes to each other using cadherins, not to the matrix.

Why is "Zonula occludens" not the answer?

Zonula occludens seals the apical paracellular space and does not anchor to the membrane.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology in Anatomy. Desmosomes join neighbouring cells, so a basal-lamina anchoring defect produces junctional blistering.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study General anatomy and histology?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.