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

Which adaptive change replaces bronchial ciliated columnar epithelium with squamous epithelium in smokers?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Metaplasia

Metaplasia is an adaptive reversible change in which one mature cell type is replaced by another better able to tolerate persistent stress such as smoke.

Option by option

  • A. Metaplasia (correct)

    Correct: squamous replacement of bronchial epithelium is metaplasia.

  • B. Hyperplasia

    Hyperplasia increases cell number without changing lineage.

  • C. Necrosis

    Necrosis is irreversible cell death.

  • D. Oedema

    Oedema is extracellular fluid accumulation.

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 A, Metaplasia. Metaplasia is an adaptive reversible change in which one mature cell type is replaced by another better able to tolerate persistent stress such as smoke.

Why is "Hyperplasia" not the answer?

Hyperplasia increases cell number without changing lineage.

Why is "Necrosis" not the answer?

Necrosis is irreversible cell death.

Why is "Oedema" not the answer?

Oedema is extracellular fluid accumulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: squamous replacement of bronchial epithelium 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.