IMMATURE SQUAMOUS METAPLASTIC CELLS :These cells are the size of parabasal  cells (15-30u) and closely resemble them .The nuclei have a fine chromatin pattern and the  cytoplasm is dense and cyanophilic;the n/c ratio is high. Immature metaplastic cells can be distinguished from atrophic parabasal cells by the fact that they are always found in association with mature superficial and intermediate squamous cells. NOTE :Mature metaplastic squamous epithelial cells  cannot be distinguished  from original (native)  squamous epithelial cells in a cervical smear.