Cell adaptation: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Cell adaptation

Sample item

What is a decrease in cell size due to reduced workload called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Atrophy

Atrophy is a reduction in cell size and often cell number caused by decreased demand, denervation, reduced blood supply, malnutrition, or hormonal loss.

Option by option

  • A. Dysplasia

    Dysplasia is disordered cellular growth.

  • B. Hyperplasia

    Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number.

  • C. Atrophy (correct)

    Correct: atrophy describes cellular shrinkage from reduced demand or support.

  • D. Hypertrophy

    Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Atrophy. Atrophy is a reduction in cell size and often cell number caused by decreased demand, denervation, reduced blood supply, malnutrition, or hormonal loss.

Why is "Dysplasia" not the answer?

Dysplasia is disordered cellular growth.

Why is "Hyperplasia" not the answer?

Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number.

Why is "Hypertrophy" not the answer?

Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: atrophy describes cellular shrinkage from reduced demand or support.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cell adaptation?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.