Metaplasia is one mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type. Which term describes this?

Study for the NATA BOC Domain 2 Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Test. Utilize our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice quiz features; each question comes with hints and thorough explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Metaplasia is one mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type. Which term describes this?

Explanation:
Metaplasia is when a mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type, usually as an adaptive response to chronic irritation or stress. This distinguishes it from other processes: hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells, hypertrophy is an increase in cell size, and atrophy is a decrease in cell size or number. An example is the bronchial lining in smokers, where the normal ciliated columnar epithelium can become stratified squamous epithelium. Another example is Barrett’s esophagus, where the esophageal lining shifts to a different, intestinal-type epithelium. The defining feature is the replacement of one mature cell type with another mature cell type, so this term best fits the description.

Metaplasia is when a mature cell type is replaced by a different mature cell type, usually as an adaptive response to chronic irritation or stress. This distinguishes it from other processes: hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells, hypertrophy is an increase in cell size, and atrophy is a decrease in cell size or number. An example is the bronchial lining in smokers, where the normal ciliated columnar epithelium can become stratified squamous epithelium. Another example is Barrett’s esophagus, where the esophageal lining shifts to a different, intestinal-type epithelium. The defining feature is the replacement of one mature cell type with another mature cell type, so this term best fits the description.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy