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Pathology · single question

The hemidesmosome is important in oral mucosal biology because it:

  1. Connects adjacent epithelial cells to each other
  2. Bridges connective tissue fibers in the lamina propria
  3. Attaches the epithelial cell to the basement membrane
  4. Forms the tight junction between endothelial cells
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Correct answer: C. Attaches the epithelial cell to the basement membrane

  • A. Desmosomes (not hemidesmosomes) connect adjacent epithelial cells to each other via desmosomal cadherins. Desmoglein 1 and 3 are targets in pemphigus vulgaris.
  • B. Collagen fibers and fibroblasts maintain connective tissue architecture; hemidesmosomes are not involved.
  • C. Correct. Hemidesmosomes are specialized adhesion structures that anchor basal epithelial cells to the underlying basement membrane (specifically to laminin and type XVII collagen). They are the target of autoantibodies in mucous membrane pemphigoid.
  • D. Tight junctions (zonula occludens) seal endothelial and epithelial cells to prevent paracellular transport; not hemidesmosomes.

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