How Do You Spell METAPLASIS?

1. Metaplasis is a term derived from the Greek words "meta" meaning change or transformation, and "plasis" meaning formation or development. It refers to a process of transformation or alteration, particularly in the context of cells or tissues.

   In the field of medicine, metaplasis usually pertains to the conversion of one type of differentiated cell or tissue into another. This change is often abnormal and occurs in response to chronic irritation, inflammation, injury, or other pathological conditions. It typically involves the replacement of normal tissue by a different type of tissue more suited to withstand the detrimental effects of the irritant or injury.

   Metaplasis can occur in various organs or tissues throughout the body. For instance, in the respiratory system, cigarette smoke exposure can lead to metaplasis whereby the ciliated epithelium in the bronchi may change into stratified squamous epithelium.

   Metaplasis can also be observed in the gastrointestinal tract, where gastric metaplasis may result from chronic reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing the normal squamous epithelium lining to undergo transformation into columnar epithelium resembling stomach tissue.

   Overall, metaplasis represents an adaptive change in cells or tissues triggered by pathological conditions. While it may provide short-term benefits by increasing the tissue's resilience, long-term consequences of metaplasis can range from increased susceptibility to further damage to an increased risk of developing certain diseases, making it an important concept in medical research and diagnosis.

2. 1. Haeckel's term for the stage of completed growth or development of the individual. 2. Metaplasia.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for METAPLASIS

The word "metaplasis" is derived from the Greek term "metaplasís" (μετάπλασις), which consists of two elements:

1. "Meta" (μετά): It means "beyond" or "after" in Greek.

2. "Plasis" (πλάσις): It translates to "forming" or "molding".

Combining these elements, "metaplasis" represents the concept of transformation, change, or alteration that goes beyond or after the usual process of forming or molding.