Organ Histology — Key Identifiers

Which of the following is the characteristic histological feature that distinguishes the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex from the zona reticularis?

A 38-year-old woman from Bangalore undergoes a routine colonoscopy for screening. A biopsy is taken from the cecum and ascending colon. Histological examination reveals simple columnar epithelium with numerous goblet cells interspersed between absorptive cells. The lamina propria is rich in lymphoid follicles and plasma cells. Crypts of Lieberkühn extend deep into the mucosa. Which of the following histological features is MOST specific to the large intestine (colon) and distinguishes it from the small intestine?

A pathology specimen from a 52-year-old man with chronic alcohol use shows hepatic tissue with hepatocytes arranged in plates around a central vein, prominent sinusoids lined with fenestrated endothelium, and abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. Which of the following is NOT consistent with normal hepatic histology?

Which histological feature is pathognomonic for identifying the pancreatic islets of Langerhans under light microscopy?

A 52-year-old man from Delhi presents with progressive dysphagia and substernal chest pain for 3 months. Upper endoscopy reveals a 4 cm irregular ulcerated lesion in the mid-esophagus. Biopsy is taken and sent for histopathology. Under the microscope, the pathologist observes stratified squamous epithelium with invasion of malignant cells into the lamina propria, with areas of keratinization. No glandular differentiation is noted. Which of the following histological features would be MOST characteristic of the normal esophageal mucosa that is being invaded by this tumor?