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 adaptation occurs when bronchial epithelium becomes squamous in smokers?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Metaplasia

Chronic irritation can cause squamous metaplasia, a reversible replacement of one mature epithelial type by another better able to withstand stress.

Option by option

  • A. Apoptosis

    Apoptosis is programmed cell death.

  • B. Metaplasia (correct)

    Correct: replacement of ciliated epithelium by squamous cells is metaplasia.

  • C. Necrosis

    Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death with inflammation.

  • D. Hyperplasia only

    Hyperplasia increases cell number without changing cell type.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Metaplasia. Chronic irritation can cause squamous metaplasia, a reversible replacement of one mature epithelial type by another better able to withstand stress.

Why is "Apoptosis" not the answer?

Apoptosis is programmed cell death.

Why is "Necrosis" not the answer?

Necrosis is uncontrolled cell death with inflammation.

Why is "Hyperplasia only" not the answer?

Hyperplasia increases cell number without changing cell type.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: replacement of ciliated epithelium by squamous cells is metaplasia.

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.