Question

Conversion of pseudostratified columnar epithelium in chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis to columnar type epithelium is an example of which type of metaplasia?

• A. Squamous metaplasia
• B. Columnar metaplasia
• C. Osseous metaplasia
• D. Cartilaginous metaplasia

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To understand the type of metaplasia mentioned in the question, we need to explore the concept of metaplasia in medical terms. Metaplasia refers to the process where one type of adult tissue changes into another type of adult tissue. It is a reversible change that commonly happens in epithelial and mesenchymal cells in response to chronic irritation or stress.

In the scenario provided, the conversion mentioned is from pseudostratified columnar epithelium to columnar epithelium. This transformation signifies the replacement of one type of columnar cell with another columnar cell type, and therefore, the process can be termed as Columnar Metaplasia.

Let's analyze each option given:

1. Squamous metaplasia: This occurs when non-squamous epithelial tissue (often columnar) is replaced by squamous epithelium. This is not applicable to the question as the change is within columnar types.
2. Columnar metaplasia: This is the correct option, as it describes the conversion of one type of columnar epithelium to another.
3. Osseous metaplasia: Involves the transformation to bone tissue. Clearly, this is unrelated to epithelial tissue transformations.
4. Cartilaginous metaplasia: Involves tissue converting to cartilage, which is not applicable here as we're discussing epithelial types.

Based on the details and the nature of the changes occurring in the epithelium, the correct answer is Columnar Metaplasia.