glandular metaplasia glandular metaplasia glandular metaplasia is a type of metaplasia where irritated tissue converts to a glandular form. micrograph of barrett's esophagus (left of image) and normal stratified squamous epithelium (right of image). alcian blue stain. an example occurs in the esophagus, where tissue becomes more similar to the tissue of the stomach. another example occurs in the urinary bladder.