HISTOLOGY WRITTEN EXAM I
MULTIPLE CHOICE: CHOOSE THE SINGLE BEST ANSWER. EACH ANSWER IS
WORTH 1 POINT EACH FOR THE WRITTEN EXAM
1. A tissue sample is stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E). Therefore, in this tissue:
A. Protein stain yellow
B. Everything stains magenta
C. Mitochondria will stain blue
D. Ribosomes will stain blue
E. Nucleic acids will stain pink
2. A 71-year-old man develops a cough and is found to have a bacterial lung infection.
Which peripheral blood cell is most likely to be Increased?
A. Macrophages/histiocytes
B. Eosinophils
C. Platelets
D. Neutrophils
E. Plasma cells
3. A multicellular gland has the following features: a branching duct system,
"flask-shaped" secretory units, and a secretory product that is released in
membrane-bound granules. This gland is property characterized as:
A. A compound, tubuloalveolar, apocrine gland.
B. A compound, alveolar, merocrine gland.
C. A simple, acinar, apocrine gland.
D. A compound, tubular, holocrine gland.
E. A simple, tubular, mucous gland.
4. Mitochondria are the "power houses" of the cell. Each of the following is true about the
cell biology of a mitochondrion, EXCEPT:
A. The enzymes and components of electron transport are associated with the
inner mitochondrial membrane.
B. Some proteins within the mitochondrion are encoded by mitochondrial DNA.
C. The globular structures of the ADP to ATP phosphorylating system are
embedded in the outer mitochondrial membrane.
D. Enzymes of the citric acid cycle and fatty acid R-oxidation reside within the
mitochondrial matrix.
E. Cristae in mitochondria of cells that secrete steroids are often tubular.
5. The three basic components of all types of connective tissue are:
A. Elastic fibers, collagen fibers, and mast cells
B. Collagen fibers, fibroblasts, and lymph
C. Blood vessels, Type II collagen, and fibroblasts
D. Lymphocytes, matrix protein, and ground substance
E. Cells, fibers, and ground substance
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6. DNA replication occurs at which stage of mitosis?
A. Telophase
B. Anaphase
C. Interphase
D. Prophase
E. Metaphase
7. A 1 0-year-old boy has severe allergies to plant pollens. Which type of peripheral blood
cell is most likely to be Increased?
A. Neutrophils
B. Plasma cells
C. Macrophages/histiocytes
D. Eosinophils
E. Platelets
8. A 50-year-old woman with kidney disease is found to have anemia (low number of red
blood cells). A decrease in which of the following factors is most likely involved in her
anemia?
A. Major basic protein
B. Erythropoietin
C. Thrombopoietin
D. Myeloperoxidase
E. Colony stimulating factor
9. Which structures are responsible for fingerprints?
A. Tonofilaments
B. Dermal papillae
C. Dermal ridges
D. Rete ridges
E. Anchoring filaments
10. The nucleus of a cell contains each of the following, EXCEPT:
A. Euchromatin
B. Nucleolus
C. Fibrous lamina
D. Nucleus pulposa
E. Heterochromatin
11. Which pair (structure + its function or location) is correct?
A. Eponychium - comified edge of proximal nail fold
B. Lunula - part of nail buried under the proximal nail fold
C. Nail matrix - forms the stratum granulosum of the nail bed
D. Hyponychium - seals off the potential space between the proximal nail fold and
the nail
E. Nail root - joins to the undersurface of the free (distal) edge of the nail plate
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12. A 4-year-old boy has bleeding from his gums when he brushes his teeth. Which
peripheral blood cell is most likely to be decreased?
A. Eosinophils
B. Platelets
C. Macrophages/histiocytes
D. Neutrophils
E. Plasma cells
13. A section of striated-skeletal muscle is cut in cross section and examined with electron
microscopy. A recurring pattern is seen consisting of one thick filament surrounded by
six thin filaments. In which portion of the sarcomere would you most likely be?
A. The H-Zone
B. The A-band
C. The Z-band
D. The I-band
E. The M-line
14. In the lung, pulmonary surfactant:
A. Increases the alveolar surface tension.
B. Is derived from monocytes.
C. Is produced by neuroendocrine cells.
D. Coats the epithelium of the trachea.
E. Is secreted by Type II pneumocytes.
15. In the first three months of intrauterine life, fetal hematopoiesis takes place
predominantly in which tissue?
A. Lung
B. Kidney
C. Liver
D. Peripheral blood
E. Lymph nodes
16. The defining characteristic of endocrine glands is the presence of:
A. Mucous acini surrounding an indistinct lumen lined by mesothelium.
B. Both serous and mucous acini in the secretory portion of the gland.
C. Ducts that convey the secretory product to a body surface.
D. Stratified cuboidal epithelium lining the small ducts.
E. Extensive capillary network that conveys product to a target organ.
17. You would expect to find each of the following on the volar surface of the foot EXCEPT:
A. Stratum lucidum
B. Sebaceous glands
C. Stratum Malpighii
D. Lamina lucida
E. Eccrine glands
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18. Which of the following statements about hyaluronic acid is correct?
A. It is a proteoglycan with a shape resembling a bottle brush.
B. It organizes elastin into elastic fibers.
C. It is glycosaminoglycan.
D. It stains with silver stains.
E. It is one of the integrins.
19. Which of the following is a specialized electro-mechanical junction found in cardiac
muscle?
A. Triad
B. Motor end plate
C. Desmosome
D. Intercalated disk
E. Dense Feet
20. Due to progressively worsening cardiac output, a 66-year-old man undergoes a cardiac
biopsy. Which of the following best describes normal cardiac muscle?
A. It has an extensive vascular network.
B. Each fiber is directly innervated by an individual nerve.
C. It lacks myofibrils.
D. T-tubules are found at the junction of the A band and I band.
E. Few mitochondria are present.
21. Which of the following is true regarding neurons?
A. The nucleus is typically eccentrically placed.
B. Nissl substance is present in the axons of motor neurons.
C. Pseudounipolar neurons are found only in the embryo.
D. They have multiple, short processes known as axons.
E. Bipolar neurons are found in the retina and auditory system.
22. Which of the following is a characteristic of slow-oxidative-red skeletal muscle?
A. Numerous mitochondria
B. Low blood supply content
C. Use of glucose as substrate
D. Extensive sarcoplasmic reticulum network
E. Anaerobic metabolism
23. Microscopic resolution is:
A. Proportional to the numerical aperture of the lens.
B. Dependent on the density of the sample
C. Inversely dependent on the wavelength of illuminating light.
D. Dependent on the phase of the moon
E. Proportional to the wavelength of illuminating light
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24. Each of the following is associated with smooth muscle EXCEPT:
A. Intermediate filaments
B. Actin
C. Troponin regulation
D. Myosin
E. Dense bodies
25. You have learned that there is a difference in both the cells and the process of
myelination in the central nervous system versus the peripheral nervous system. In the
peripheral nervous system:
A. A thin perineurium surrounds multiple fasicles of nerve fibers.
B. Ganglia contain neuron cell bodies, capillaries, and satellite cells.
C. Axons are all myelinated.
D. Nodes of Ranvier are areas of myelination between segments of
non-myelination.
E. A single oligodendrocyte can myelinate only one axon.
26. When comparing veins with arteries:
A. Both large veins and large arteries have an internal elastic lamina.
B. The tunica media of a vein is larger than the tunica media of an artery.
C. The tunica adventitia of a vein is smaller than the tunica adventitia of an artery.
D. Both large veins and large arteries possess a vasa vasorum.
E. Large veins contain more elastic fibers than large arteries.
27. You have been requested to review the peripheral blood smear of a patient. You finally
find your way to the laboratory and a technologist hands you the slide. You begin
looking at it under the microscope when Dr. Hartwell walks up to see what you are
doing. You are holding your breath, secretly hoping she will not ask you any questions,
but your hopes are soon dashed when she says, ` So.... what can you tell me about the
red blood cell in the peripheral blood?' You tell her that these cells:
A. Have a life span in the peripheral blood of approximately 20 days.
B. Are removed, when aged, by cells in the lymph nodes.
C. Have a biconcave shape that maximizes the surface area to volume ratio.
D. Typically contain a nucleus, golgi, and rough endoplasmic reticulum.
E. Contain the iron-carrying pigment myoglobin.
28. Which of the following belongs exclusively to the conducting portion of the respiratory
system?
A. Alveolar pore
B. Alveolar sac
C. Alveolar duct
D. Respiratory bronchiole
E. Terminal bronchiole
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29.The outermost fibrous, connective tissue covering of a skeletal muscle fascicle is the:
A. Intramysium
B. Perimysium
C. Epimysium
D. Endomysium
E. Sarcolemma
30. Which of the following is a characteristic of osteoclasts?
A. They are derived from osteoprogenitor cells.
B. They contain a single, large nucleus.
C. They can be found in a Howship's lacuna.
D. They are activated by calcitonin.
E. They produce collagen.
31. Goblet cells:
A. Are single glands found in mucous-producing epithelium.
B. Have minute ducts lined by cuboidal epithelium.
C. Associate with serous cells to form sero-mucous demilunes.
D. Release their secretions into the vascular system.
E. Divide rapidly, forming stratified columnar epithelium.
32. Which of the following statements correctly characterizes the cell membrane?
A. Fatty acid sidechains are exposed on both faces of the bilayer.
B. Cholesterol increases the rigidity of the membrane.
C. Hydrophobic fatty acid chains are directed to the center of the membrane.
D. The membrane is composed solely of protein constituents.
E. The polar headgroups all point towards the middle of the bilayer.
33. While looking at a section of normal brain, you see large triangular shaped cells with a
prominent nucleus. You suspect these are neurons and begin looking for Nissl
substance. Nissl substance is composed of:
A. Neurofilaments and microtubules
B. Melanin and lipfuscin granules
C. Polyribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum
D. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria
E. Synaptic vesicles and acetylcholine
34. A 70-year-old man complains of fatigue and is found to have a decreased number of
red blood cells in his peripheral blood. Further evaluation indicates a lack of iron as a
cause of his anemia, and a bone marrow biopsy is performed. Which of the following
cell types is the primary site of iron storage in the bone marrow?
A. Platelets
B. Neutrophils
C. Macrophages/histiocytes
D. Eosinophils
E. Plasma cells
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35. The total magnification achievable with a light microscopy is:
A. The age of the microscope.
B. The sum of the magnifying power of the objective and ocular lenses.
C. The length of the light path.
D. The product of the magnifying power of the objective and ocular lenses.
E. The magnification of the objective lens divided by the magnification of the ocular
lens.
36. Microglial cells:
A. Are the primary site of HIV infection in the CNS.
B. Are derived from undifferentiated neurons.
C. Are responsible for myelination in the CNS.
D. Form corpora amylacea following brain injury.
E. Are frequent, though difficult to see, in the normal brain.
37. During your lunch break, you visit the Surgical Pathology Suite at the hospital. The
pathologist shows you a portion of the hip joint (the head of the femur) that has been
removed during hip replacement surgery. Since this piece of bone contains an articular
surface you know that you could expect to see hyaline cartilage when a tissue section
is viewed microscopically. The pathologist asks you to name one feature of hyaline
cartilage. Wishing you had never stopped by in the first place, you tell her that hyaline
cartilage:
A. Is an important component of the fetal skeleton.
B. Can only enlarge by appositional growth.
C. Is never associated with a perichondrium.
D. Has numerous elastic fibers in addition to collagen.
E. Contains Type I collagen in the matrix.
38. Dr. Plexus, the famous neuropathologist, is particularly fond of sushi and somewhat of
a regular at Sam's Sushi Shack. Unfortunately, his dining experience has now been
interrupted by what is delicately termed "loose stools" and abdominal cramping. When
this did not respond to over-the-counter medications, Dr. Plexus visited his local
gastroenterologist who insisted on performing a biopsy of his gastrointestinal tract. You
have been invited to look at the biopsy tissue with the pathologist. Under the
microscope you notice that the columnar epithelium is relatively intact, however there
are literally hundreds of eosinophils in the lamina propria. Although you keep it to
yourself, you know that the presence of these cells means Dr. Plexus most likely:
A. Has an infestation of parasitic worms.
B. Is making a lot of new Type I collagen fibers.
C. Has increased numbers of alveolar macrophages.
D. Is producing multilocular fat as a protective mechanism.
E. Has a severe bacterial infection of his GI tract.
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39. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER):
A. Is the site of steroid and phospholipid synthesis.
B. Is not continuous with rough endoplasmic reticulum.
C. Contains primary lysosomes.
D. Has a concave trans face and a convex cis face.
E. Has ribosomes lining its cytoplasmic surface.
40. Epithelium that is classified as pseudostratified is composed of:
A. Multiple layers of cells with a superficial columnar layer with cilia.
B. Multiple layers of cells with dome-shaped apical surfaces.
C. A single layer of cells transitioning to multiple layers.
D. A single layer of cells beneath several layers of keratin.
E. A single layer of cells all in contact with the basement membrane.
41. Which of the following cell types is NOT found in respiratory epithelium?
A. Ciliated cells
B. Sensory cells
C. Goblet cells
D. Basal cells
E. Satellite cells
42. A microscopic evaluation of a biopsy taken from the femur of a 3-year-old girl shows
interstitial lamellae as well as other normal constituents of bone. Interstitial lamellae
are a consequence of which of the following events?
A. Pulling apart of Haversian systems by Sharpey 's fibers.
B. Normal remodeling of bone by osteoclasts and osteoblasts.
C. Stimulation of osteoclasts by calcitonin.
D. Lack of sufficient osteoprogenitor cells.
E. Failure of Haversian systems to form property.
43. While playing tennis, a 49-year-old man breaks the ulna in his forearm. Bone is a
specialized form of connective tissue with which of the following characteristics?
A. Osteoclasts resorb bone.
B. It contains actively dividing osteocytes.
C. The presence of Vokmann's canals running parallel to the long axis of bone.
D. Osteoblasts are located in the canaliculi.
E. The femoral bone is formed by intramembranous ossification
44. Electrical coupling between cardiac myocytes occurs via:
A. Tight junctions
B. Gap junctions
C. Intermediate junctions
D. Desmosomes
E. Hemidesmosomes
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45. Microscopic analysis of a peripheral blood smear shows red cells that are perfectly
round rather than having the normal biconcave structure. A defect in which of the
following proteins could be responsible for this structural change in the red cell
membrane?
A. Calmodulin
B. Myosin
C. Actinin
D. Spectrin
E. Porphyrin
46. Each of the following is a component of bone matrix EXCEPT:
A. Type I collagen
B. Osteoprogenitor cells
C. Glycoproteins
D. Calcium
E. Glycosaminoglycans
47. The basal lamina of epithelia cells is anchored to the underlying connective tissue by
which type of collagen?
A. IX
B. I
C. VII
D. V
E. II
48. A patient with extensive bums resulting in significant loss of the stratum comeum,
stratum granulosum, and stratum spinosum will have acute problems with:
A. Sensation of pressure
B. Destruction of hair bulbs
C. Cutaneous water loss
D. Sebum production
E. Melanin production
49. Mucous connective tissue:
A. Is a form of cellular loose connective tissue.
B. Is also referred to as Kupffer's jelly.
C. Has a watery consistency with numerous mast cells.
D. Originates from endoderm.
E. Cushions the vessels of the umbilical cord.
50. The basic structure of all types of cartilage includes each of the following EXCEPT:
A. Glycosaminoglycans
B. Chondrocytes
C. Lacunae
D. Osteoid
E. Collagen
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51. The epicardium of the heart:
A. Lines the mitral and tricuspid valves.
B. Is continuous with the endocardium.
C. Is composed of modified cardiac muscle cells.
D. Is adherent to the visceral pericardium.
E. Contains Purkinje cells.
52. Each of the following is a type of capillary EXCEPT:
A. Fenestrated
B. Fenestrated with diaphragms
C. Continuous with diaphragms
D. Sinusoids
E. Continuous
53. Your Great Uncle Billy Bob has a persistent hacking cough. He has smoked 3 packs of
cigarettes a day for the last 40 years. Which of the following is the most likely cause for
his hacking?
A. A deviated nasal septum.
B. Accumulation of carbon in macrophages.
C. Loss of functional circulation to the lungs.
D. Loss of cilia from the respiratory epithelium.
E. The foul Houston air.
54. You have come to realize that Histology is quite interesting and have even considered
having a small microscope embroidered on your scrubs. You find the interactions
between biochemistry and the structure and function of cells to be fascinating. For
instance, when questioned about the necessity of chondroitin sulfate, you immediately
respond that it is an important component of:
A. Multipolar neurons
B. Elastic fibers
C. Chondrocytes
D. Reticular fibers
E. Ground substance
55. A 20-year-old woman has a low-grade fever and a sore throat. Laboratory studies show
antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus. Which type of cell is responsible for the production of
these antibodies?
A. Macrophages/histiocytes
B. Neutrophils
C. Platelets
D. Plasma cells
E. Eosinophils
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56. In the lung, each of the following is true regarding the pores of Kohn, EXCEPT:
A. Cannot be visualized with light microscopy.
B. Allow collateral circulation of air.
C. Are found in the terminal bronchioles.
D. Can equalize pressure between alveoli.
E. Allow passage of alveolar macrophages.
57. A lipoma is a benign tumor composed of unilocular adipose tissue. Which of the
following is true of this type of adipose tissue?
A. It functions as a thermogenic reservoir.
B. It is highly vascular.
C. Each cell contains multiple fat droplets.
D. It is absent in the newborn human
E. It is derived from hematopoietic stem cells.
58. Each of the following is true regarding microtubules EXCEPT:
A. Microtubules are necessary for formation of the mitotic spindle.
B. Microtubules in cilia exhibit a "9 + 2" arrangement.
C. Microtubules are composed of heterodimers of tubulin.
D. Centrioles consist of 9 triplets of microtubules linked together.
E. Microtubules form the core of microvilli.
59. Which of the following is true regarding osteogenesis?
A. Bone can enlarge by appositional and interstitial growth.
B. Intramembranous ossification involves formation of primary and secondary
ossification centers.
C. The primary ossification center involves the epiphyseal area of the precursor
tissue.
D. Endochondral bone growth occurs throughout the life of an adult.
E. Endochondral bone growth involves the epiphyseal plate.
60. A 52-year-old man is seen by a neurologist for progressive muscle weakness and loss
of sensation is his extremities. Suspecting a demyelination process may be occurring,
the neurologist performs a peripheral nerve biopsy. Which of the following cells is
responsible for myelination of peripheral nerves?
A. Basket cells
B. Schwann cells
C. Microglial cells
D. Oligodendrocytes
E. Astrocytes
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HISTOLOGY PRACTICAL EXAM I
MULTIPLE CHOICE: CHOOSE THE SINGLE BEST ANSWER. EACH ANSWER IS
WORTH 2 POINTS EACH FOR THE PRACTICAL EXAM
1. These structures:
A. Move in an energy-dependent manner.
B. Are attached to a basal body.
C. Contain a central core of microfilaments.
D. Are widely distributed on epithelial surfaces.
E. Are associated with a glycocalyx.
2. In this tissue:
A. The matrix contains Type II collagen
B. Osteoblasts occupy the lacunae in living bone
C. Osteoclasts occupy the canaliculi in living bone
D. Haversian canals connect adjacent Haversian systems
E. Each Haversian system has a central vascular canal
3. This tissue contains each of the following EXCEPT:
A. Sarcoplasmic reticulum
B. Actin
C. Myosin
D. T-tubules
E. Nucleus
4. This structure is a:
A. Peripheral nerve
B. Paccinian corpuscle
C. Smooth muscle bundle
D. Lymphatic vessel
E. Sweat gland
5. The cell shown in this slide of bone marrow is involved in which of the following?
A. Parasite destruction
B. Iron storage
C. Oxygen delivery
D. Platelet formation
E. Antibody formation
6. What feature identifies this tissue as thin skin?
A. There are hair follicles
B. The dermis is thin
C. The stratum comeum is present
D. Blood vessels extend into the epidermis
E. There are not many melanocytes
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7. This structure contains each of the following EXCEPT:
A. Lamina reticularis
B. Lamina densa
C. Type IV collagen
D. Laminins
E. Tubulin
8. This tissue is composed of:
A. Type I collagen only
B. Type II & III collagen
C. Type I & II collagen
D. Type III, IV, and VII collagen
E. Type IV collagen only
9. The following structure is a/an:
A. Arteriole
B. Bronchus.
C. Bronchiole
D. Alveolus
E. Alveolar Duct.
10. This tissue:
A. Is classified as a multicellular non-ducted gland.
B. Contains mucous and serous acini.
C. Secretes enzymes into the bloodstream.
D. Is derived from neuroendocrine cells.
E. Is a maturation site for lymphocytes.
11. What cell type contains the majority of the brown pigment in this tissue?
A. Langerhans' cell
B. Keratinocyte
C. Premelansome
D. Histiocyte/macrophage
E. Melanocyte
12. The type of capillary that is MOST likely found in this tissue is:
A. Continuous
B. Fenestrated with diaphragms
C. Sinusoid
D. Fenestrated without diaphragms
E. Surrounded by elastic fibers
13. Which of the following is not associated with the structure indicated?
A. Vocal ligaments
B. Vocalis muscle
C. Stratified squamous epithelium
D. Dense irregular connective tissue
E. Respiratory epithelium
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14. Identify these cells in the central nervous system.
A. Ependymal cells
B. Glial cells
C. Satellite cells
D. Ranvier cells
E. Merkel cells
15. The fluid found in this structure is:
A. Oxygenated blood
B. Lymph
C. Interstitial fluid
D. Water
E. Deoxygenated blood
16. Identify this tissue and the type of connective tissue of which it is composed.
A. Epimysium: dense regular connective tissue.
B. Fibrocartilage: dense regular connective tissue.
C. Periosteum: dense irregular connective tissue.
D. Lamina propria: dense irregular connective tissue.
E. Perichondrium: dense irregular connective tissue.
17. This tissue:
A. Has a holocrine mode of secretion.
B. Releases its product via ducts.
C. Is found predominantly in thick skin.
D. Is responsible for conduction of electrical impulses.
E. Functions in thermogenesis.
18. This cell in the peripheral blood.
A. Is an immature red blood cell.
B. Contains major basic protein.
C. May become a plasma cell.
D. Can become a tissue macrophage.
E. Is the most numerous leukocyte.
19. What is the function of the epithelium indicated by the arrow?
A. Secretion of enzymes.
B. Absorption of nutrients from the lumen.
C. Protection of undertying tissue.
D. Movement of mucous and cellular debris.
E. Accommodate increases in luminal area.
20. Actin is anchored at this line in the muscle fiber by which of the following?
A. Troponin
B. Tropomyosin
C. Actinin
D. Fillagrin
E. Type VII Collagen
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HISTOLOGY WRITTEN EXAM 1 VERSION 4 ANSWER KEYS
1. D
36. A
2. D
37. A
3. B
38. A
4. C
39. A
5. E
40. E
6. C
41. E
7. D
42. B
8. B
43. A
9. C
44. B
10. D
45. D
11. A
46. B
12. B
47. C
13. B
48. C
14. E
49. E
15. C
50. D
16. E
51. D
17. B
52. C
18. C
53. D
19. D
54. E
20. A
55. D
21. E
56. C
22. A
57. B
23. E
58. E
24. C
59. E
25. B
60. B
26. D
27. C
28. E
29. B
30. C
31. A
32. C
33. C
34. C
35. D
HISTOLOGY PRACTICAL EXAM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
C
E
D
A
D
A
E
C
C
.B
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
B
B
E
A
E
E
E
D
E
C
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