Glossary Definitions

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Reserve cells
Subcolumnar cells of the endocervix that may proliferate and differentiate into squamous cells (squamous metaplasia) or glandular cells.
The proliferation of reserve cells gives the reserve cell hyperplasia pattern, easy to recognize in histology. In cytological preparations, groups or isolated naked nuclei are seen, with regular but sometimes densified chromatin. Cytologically, reserve cell hyperplasia is indiscernible from immature metaplasia. When these elements are enlarged and more irregular in chromatin texture an ASC-H must be reported.

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