Cell adaptation: Barrett oesophagus: 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: Barrett oesophagus

Sample item

Chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux causes replacement of distal oesophageal squamous epithelium by intestinal-type columnar epithelium. This adaptation is called what?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Metaplasia

Barrett oesophagus is metaplasia: one mature differentiated cell type is replaced by another better able to tolerate stress. It increases risk of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

Option by option

  • A. Hypertrophy

    Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.

  • B. Hyperplasia

    Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number within the same tissue type.

  • C. Metaplasia (correct)

    Correct. The cell lineage changes from squamous to intestinal-type columnar.

  • D. Dysplasia

    Dysplasia denotes disordered premalignant growth, not simply adaptive replacement.

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, Metaplasia. Barrett oesophagus is metaplasia: one mature differentiated cell type is replaced by another better able to tolerate stress.

Why is "Hypertrophy" not the answer?

Hypertrophy is an increase in cell size.

Why is "Hyperplasia" not the answer?

Hyperplasia is an increase in cell number within the same tissue type.

Why is "Dysplasia" not the answer?

Dysplasia denotes disordered premalignant growth, not simply adaptive replacement.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation: Barrett oesophagus in Pathology. It increases risk of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.

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: Barrett oesophagus?

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.