Histopathology basics · USMLE Step 1

Which of the following best describes Metaplasia in tissue pathology?

  1. Uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal cells that invade basement membrane
  2. Reversible replacement of one differentiated cell type by another
  3. Normal cell division in response to physiological stimulus
  4. Irreversible cell death from toxic injury
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Correct answer: Reversible replacement of one differentiated cell type by another

Metaplasia is the reversible transformation where one mature cell type is replaced by another mature cell type in response to environmental stress; it is considered an adaptive response rather than cancerous change.

Difficulty: Medium Question 4 of 22

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