Which term refers to cells that are undifferentiated with variable nuclear and cell structures and numerous mitotic figures, characteristic of cancer?

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

Which term refers to cells that are undifferentiated with variable nuclear and cell structures and numerous mitotic figures, characteristic of cancer?

Explanation:
Anaplasia is the term for cancer cells that have lost their normal differentiation and show pleomorphism, with variable nuclear and cellular morphology and numerous mitotic figures. This reflects malignant transformation, where cells divide aberrantly and disrupt tissue architecture, often with invasion. Dysplasia involves disordered cell maturation that may still retain some differentiation and isn’t necessarily invasive; hyperplasia is a proportional increase in cell number with preserved differentiation; metaplasia is a change from one mature cell type to another as an adaptive process.

Anaplasia is the term for cancer cells that have lost their normal differentiation and show pleomorphism, with variable nuclear and cellular morphology and numerous mitotic figures. This reflects malignant transformation, where cells divide aberrantly and disrupt tissue architecture, often with invasion. Dysplasia involves disordered cell maturation that may still retain some differentiation and isn’t necessarily invasive; hyperplasia is a proportional increase in cell number with preserved differentiation; metaplasia is a change from one mature cell type to another as an adaptive process.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy