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 example best illustrates metaplasia caused by chronic cigarette smoking?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Bronchial ciliated columnar epithelium replaced by squamous epithelium

Chronic smoke irritation can drive replacement of normal ciliated columnar bronchial epithelium with more resilient squamous epithelium, a reversible adaptation that can reduce mucociliary clearance and predispose to dysplasia.

Option by option

  • A. Loss of skeletal-muscle bulk after immobilization

    Muscle wasting after immobilization is atrophy.

  • B. Bronchial ciliated columnar epithelium replaced by squamous epithelium (correct)

    Correct: squamous replacement in bronchi is classic smoking-related metaplasia.

  • C. Increase in endometrial gland number from estrogen

    Estrogen-driven gland proliferation is hyperplasia.

  • D. Increase in left-ventricular myocyte size

    Myocyte enlargement is hypertrophy.

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 B, Bronchial ciliated columnar epithelium replaced by squamous epithelium. Chronic smoke irritation can drive replacement of normal ciliated columnar bronchial epithelium with more resilient squamous epithelium, a reversible adaptation that can reduce mucociliary clearance and predispose to dysplasia.

Why is "Loss of skeletal-muscle bulk after immobilization" not the answer?

Muscle wasting after immobilization is atrophy.

Why is "Increase in endometrial gland number from estrogen" not the answer?

Estrogen-driven gland proliferation is hyperplasia.

Why is "Increase in left-ventricular myocyte size" not the answer?

Myocyte enlargement is hypertrophy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: squamous replacement in bronchi is classic smoking-related 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.