A 55-year-old male with a 30-year history of smoking is examined for respiratory disturbance. Examination of his airway (bronchial) reveals that stratified squamous epithelial cells have replaced the normal columnar ciliated cells. What is this type of cellular adaptation called?

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Metaplasia is the process where one type of adult cell is replaced by another type, often as an adaptive response to chronic irritation, such as smoking.

A 55-Year-Old Male with a 30-Year History of Smoking Is