The conversion of columnar ciliated epithelium to stratified squamous epithelium in the trachea of a chronic smoker is called:
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Metaplasia
Metaplasia is a reversible change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another adult cell type to better withstand a harsh environment. In smokers, the fragile columnar cells are replaced by tougher squamous cells, though at the cost of losing mucus clearance.
Keep practicing
More Cell Injury questions
- Which pigment is known as the 'wear and tear' pigment, accumulating in aged or atrophic cells?
- Dystrophic calcification occurs in which of the following conditions?
- Which enzyme is responsible for the activation of 'executioner' caspases via the extrinsic (death receptor) pathway?
- Which of the following is a characteristic feature of coagulative necrosis?
- Autophagy is a process that involves:
- What is the primary mechanism of cell injury caused by cyanide poisoning?