Question

Anaplasia is

• A. Changing one type of epithelium to another
• B. Nuclear chromatin
• C. Lack of differentiation
• D. Morphological changes

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Anaplasia is a term frequently used in pathology to describe a particular state within cells. It specifically refers to the "lack of differentiation." Differentiation denotes the process by which cells become specialized in both form and function. In normal physiological processes, cells develop specific characteristics that define their role within tissues. Anaplasia, however, represents a state where these normal characteristics are lost.

Key characteristics of anaplastic cells include:

• Loss of structural differentiation.
• Marked variation in cell and nuclear size and shape.
• Abnormal nuclear chromatin and prominent nucleoli.
• Increased and abnormal mitotic activity.

Anaplasia is commonly associated with malignancy and indicates aggressive tumor behavior. Understanding these cellular changes is critical in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers.