A patient with a history of smoking has a bronchial biopsy showing that the normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells have been replaced by stratified squamous epithelial cells.The patient is correctly told that this process could be reversed if he quits smoking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The replacement of normal columnar ciliated epithelial cells with stratified squamous epithelial cells is a change seen in response to chronic irritation or inflammation, often caused by smoking. If the patient quits smoking, this irritant will be removed and the normal epithelial cells can regenerate, reversing the damage.

A Patient with a History of Smoking Has a Bronchial