Cell adaptation: metaplasia: 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: metaplasia

Sample item

Chronic cigarette smoke exposure causes replacement of ciliated columnar epithelium in bronchi by stratified squamous epithelium. What is this adaptation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Squamous metaplasia

Metaplasia is reversible replacement of one mature differentiated cell type by another better able to tolerate stress. Persistent injury can progress to dysplasia and malignancy.

Option by option

  • A. Dysplasia

    Dysplasia involves disordered atypical growth rather than a mature cell-type switch.

  • B. Anaplasia

    Anaplasia is loss of differentiation in malignancy.

  • C. Squamous metaplasia (correct)

    Correct. Columnar-to-squamous replacement is classic smoking-related metaplasia.

  • D. Hyperplasia only

    Hyperplasia increases cell number within the same lineage.

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, Squamous metaplasia. Metaplasia is reversible replacement of one mature differentiated cell type by another better able to tolerate stress.

Why is "Dysplasia" not the answer?

Dysplasia involves disordered atypical growth rather than a mature cell-type switch.

Why is "Anaplasia" not the answer?

Anaplasia is loss of differentiation in malignancy.

Why is "Hyperplasia only" not the answer?

Hyperplasia increases cell number within the same lineage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation: metaplasia in Pathology. Persistent injury can progress to dysplasia and malignancy.

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: metaplasia?

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.