Types of Cells (Part 1)

Cells come in hundreds of varieties. Each type of cell in the body is uniquely designed for its function. Cells of the digestive system, for example, are greatly different in terms of their structure and function than cells of the nervous system.

This quiz will introduce you to the most common types of cells in the human body as well as their unique capabilities and functions.

  • Question of

    The cell that primarily composes adipose tissue, specialized in storing energy as fat.

    • Adipocyte
    • Melanocytes
    • Ovum
    • Osteocytes

    Correct Wrong

    An adipocyte, also called a lipocyte or fat cell, primarily makes up adipose tissue and is responsible for storing energy as fat.

  • Question of

    A small, colorless cell fragment in our blood that forms clots and stops bleeding.

    • Platelet
    • Granulocytes
    • Myocytes
    • Skeletal muscle cell

    Correct Wrong

    Blood clots occur when platelets, also called thrombocytes, act upon bleeding from damaged blood vessels by clumping together, triggering the formation of a clot. In your bones, sponge-like bone marrow forms platelets.

  • Question of

    A single-nucleus cell that synthesizes bone.

    • Osteoblast
    • Leukocytes
    • Spermatozoon
    • Platelet

    Correct Wrong

    Osteoblasts are single nucleated cells responsible for synthesising bone.

  • Question of

    Also called nerve cell.

    • Neuron
    • Merkel cells
    • Langerhans cells
    • Agranulocytes

    Correct Wrong

    A nerve cell, or neuron, performs the functions of the nervous system by transmitting nerve impulses. Neurons are highly specialized and amitotic. A destroyed neuron cannot be replaced since neurons do not undergo mitosis.

  • Question of

    Nervous system cells that provide support and protection to neurons.

    • Neuroglia
    • Ovum
    • Leukocytes
    • Langerhans cells

    Correct Wrong

    Known as glia, glial cells, or neuroglia, glia are non-neuronal cells within the nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and peripheral nervous system that do not send electrical signals. Neurons depend on them for support and protection, maintain homeostasis, and form myelin.

  • Question of

    A moving form of the haploid cell that is the male gamete, or sperm cell.

    • Spermatozoon
    • Leukocytes
    • Osteocytes
    • Platelet

    Correct Wrong

    A spermatozoon is a motile sperm cell. A spermatozoon joins an ovum to create a zygote. Zygotes are single cells with complete sets of chromosomes that develop into embryos.

  • Question of

    A type of cell capable of developing into many types of cells in the body.

    • Stem cells
    • Granulocytes
    • Chondrocytes
    • Langerhans cells

    Correct Wrong

    Stem cells' are special human cells that have the potential to develop into many different types of cells. In this way, they work as a repair system for the body. Basically, there are two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

  • Question of

    Also called RBC and red blood cells.

    • Erythrocytes
    • Platelet
    • Cardiomyocytes
    • Merkel cells

    Correct Wrong

    Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow and found in the blood. All parts of the body are supplied with oxygen by a protein called hemoglobin, which is found in erythrocytes (red blood cell).

  • Question of

    This type of white blood cell includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

    • Granulocytes
    • Myocytes
    • Adipocyte
    • Ovum

    Correct Wrong

    Granulocytes are white blood cells containing small granules. Proteins are found within these granules. The three types of granulocytes are neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. Granulocytes, specifically neutrophils, are used by the body to fight bacterial infections.

  • Question of

    These are white blood cells that do not contain distinct granules in their cytoplasm.

    • Agranulocytes
    • Langerhans cells
    • Adipocyte
    • Spermatozoon

    Correct Wrong

    An agranulocyte is a white blood cell that does not have distinct granules in its cytoplasm. Agranulocytes are divided into two types: lymphocytes and monocytes, and these two cell types make up about 35% of a hemostatic blood value.

  • Question of

    The only cells found in healthy cartilage.

    • Chondrocytes
    • Erythrocytes
    • Myocytes
    • Agranulocytes

    Correct Wrong

    Healthy cartilage only contains chondrocytes. The cartilaginous matrix, which is mainly composed of collagen and proteoglycans, is produced and maintained by these cells.

  • Question of

    Bone cells that break down bone tissue.

    • Osteoclasts
    • Merkel cells
    • Endothelial cells
    • Epithelial cells

    Correct Wrong

    Bone tissue is broken down by osteoclasts. This function is critical to maintaining, repairing, and remodeling the vertebral skeleton.

  • Question of

    An oblate shaped type of bone cell commonly found in mature bone tissue.

    • Osteocytes
    • Spermatozoon
    • Stem cells
    • Cardiomyocytes

    Correct Wrong

    The osteocyte, a type of bone cell with dendritic processes, is the most common cell type in mature bone tissue and can live as long as the organism. Osteocytes play a key role in regulating bone mass and phosphate metabolism.

  • Question of

    This is the main type of cell in the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin.

    • Keratinocytes
    • Neuron
    • Neuroglia
    • Granulocytes

    Correct Wrong

    A keratinocyte is a type of cell found mostly in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Keratinocytes have the primary function of forming a barrier against heat, UV radiation, water loss, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.

  • Question of

    The cells of the epidermis located at the bottom of the skin produce melanin.

    • Melanocytes
    • Granulocytes
    • Myocytes
    • Endothelial cells

    Correct Wrong

    Located in the bottom layer (also known as the stratum basale) of the epidermis, melanocytes are melanin-producing cells. A process called melanogenesis causes melanocytes to produce melanin, a pigment found in the skin, eyes, hair, nasal cavity, and inner ear.