Examples of metaplasia are the following except –
**Core Concept**
Metaplasia is a reversible, adaptive change in which one adult cell type is replaced by another adult cell type, often in response to chronic irritation or injury. This process can be seen in various tissues and organs, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tracts.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Metaplasia involves the replacement of one cell type with another, often as a result of chronic exposure to irritants or injury. For example, in the respiratory tract, chronic exposure to cigarette smoke can lead to squamous metaplasia of the ciliated columnar epithelium, replacing the normal respiratory epithelium. This change can increase the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as lung cancer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect as it does not provide a specific example of metaplasia. To be a correct example, it should describe a situation where one adult cell type is replaced by another.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect as it describes a process of dysplasia, which is a precancerous change characterized by abnormal cell growth and differentiation, rather than a true metaplastic change.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect as it describes a process of hyperplasia, which is an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, rather than a change in the type of cell.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that metaplasia can be a reversible process, but it can also increase the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer. It is essential to identify and address the underlying cause of metaplasia to prevent potential complications.
**Correct Answer:** A.