Cell adaptation: Barrett esophagus: 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 esophagus

Sample item

In Barrett esophagus, normal stratified squamous epithelium is replaced by which type?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Intestinal-type columnar epithelium with goblet cells

Chronic reflux can cause distal esophageal squamous epithelium to undergo intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells. This increases risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and requires appropriate surveillance pathways.

Option by option

  • A. Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium

    Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium lines much of respiratory tract.

  • B. Intestinal-type columnar epithelium with goblet cells (correct)

    Correct. Intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells defines Barrett esophagus.

  • C. Keratinized squamous epithelium

    Keratinized squamous epithelium is not the reflux-associated replacement.

  • D. Transitional epithelium

    Transitional epithelium lines urinary tract structures.

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, Intestinal-type columnar epithelium with goblet cells. Chronic reflux can cause distal esophageal squamous epithelium to undergo intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells.

Why is "Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium" not the answer?

Ciliated pseudostratified epithelium lines much of respiratory tract.

Why is "Keratinized squamous epithelium" not the answer?

Keratinized squamous epithelium is not the reflux-associated replacement.

Why is "Transitional epithelium" not the answer?

Transitional epithelium lines urinary tract structures.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cell adaptation: Barrett esophagus in Pathology. This increases risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and requires appropriate surveillance pathways.

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 esophagus?

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.