Kaplan USMLE Step 1: Diagnosis on a section of resected lung

| 4 Min Read

If you’re preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE®) Step 1 exam, you might want to know which questions are most often missed by test-prep takers. Check out this example from Kaplan Medical, and read an expert explanation of the answer. Also check out all posts in this series.

Free study aid when you join the AMA

Medical students who become AMA members can select a free gift from a variety of powerful study aids for the USMLE and COMLEX-USA tests.

Supporting you today as a medical student. Protecting your future as a physician.

Learn More

A 19-year-old man is brought to the emergency department because of a gunshot wound to the chest. An emergency thoracotomy is performed and, in order to stop the bleeding, a segment of the lung is removed. A photomicrograph of a section of resected lung is shown. Which of the following products is produced by the cells indicated by the arrows? 

Photomicrograph of a section of resected lung

A. Alkaline phosphatase 

B. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 

C. Immunoglobulin

D. Major basic protein 

E. Mucus 

F. Surfactant 

G. Tubular myelin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The correct answer is F.

Kaplan Medical explains why

Surfactant is produced by type II pneumocytes. These cells are cuboidal with round nuclei and a foamy cytoplasm, exemplified by the cells marked by the arrows on this photomicrograph.

Why the other answers are wrong

Choice A. The biopsy sample from this patient is from the lung, and the arrows are pointing to type II pneumocytes, which produce surfactant. Alkaline phosphatase is produced by osteoblasts in bone.

 

Did you answer the question correctly?

Sign in to get tips to remember and learn more from Kaplan Medical about why the other answer choices can be eliminated.

AMA membership has its advantages

  • Access education programs and study guides to help you thrive.
  • Distinguish yourself with AMA leadership opportunities.
  • Enjoy exclusive perks and savings.

Not a member? Become a member now.

FEATURED STORIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Figure working at laptop with hands behind head

What stresses medical students most? The answer changes each year

| 4 Min Read
Figures push giant blocks

Which medical school clinical rotation is tougher than the rest?

| 9 Min Read
Figure stands by an open map

To match in these physician specialties, away rotations are a must

| 5 Min Read
Figure surrounded by signs with arrows pointing in different directions

Medical student specialty selection: What to know

| 6 Min Read