Metaplasia: The replacement of one differentiated cell type with another differentiated cell type. An example is the condition synovial chondromatosis where cells of the synovial membrane undergo metaplasia to become cartilage-producing chondrocytes. Metaplasia is not synonymous with dysplasia and is not considered carcinogenesis.

Metaplasia causes precursor cells to change their cell fate, and does not change existing differentiated cells.

Metaplasia is reversible and usually occurs in response to chronic irritation and inflammation and allows for substitution of cells that are better able to survive under circumstances in which a more fragile cell type might succumb.

Metaplasie | Metaplasia | מטפלזיה | Metaplasie | Metaplazja]