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Which type of cell adaptation occurs when normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells of the bronchial lining have been replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells?

a) Atrophy
b) Hyperplasia
c) Metaplasia
d) Dysplasia

User QWERTYL
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The cell adaptation when columnar ciliated epithelial cells are replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells in the bronchial lining is called metaplasia.

Step-by-step explanation:

When normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells of the bronchial lining are replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells, the type of cell adaptation that occurs is metaplasia. Metaplasia is a process where one type of mature epithelial cell is replaced by another cell type, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation. This process may serve as a protective mechanism initially, but it can also predispose the tissue to malignancy if the underlying cause of the irritation is not resolved.

User Bruno Zamengo
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