Hypertrophy: Increase in cell size

Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of cells, leading to the enlargement of the tissue or organ. This process occurs without an increase in the number of cells, distinguishing it from hyperplasia, which involves cell proliferation.

Types of Hypertrophy:

Physiological Hypertrophy: Occurs naturally as a result of normal growth or increased functional demand. An example is the enlargement of skeletal muscles due to regular strength training or exercise.

Pathological Hypertrophy: Results from abnormal conditions, such as the enlargement of the heart muscle in response to high blood pressure. This type of hypertrophy can lead to adverse effects if the underlying cause is not addressed.

Mechanism:

Hypertrophy is typically driven by increased protein synthesis within cells, often in response to mechanical stress, hormonal signals, or other stimuli. This leads to the expansion of cellular components, such as the cytoplasm, organelles, and structural proteins, which contribute to the overall increase in cell size.

Examples:

Muscle Hypertrophy: Commonly seen in bodybuilders, where muscle cells enlarge due to repeated exercise and resistance training.

Cardiac Hypertrophy: The thickening of the heart muscle often due to conditions like hypertension or valve diseases.

Hypertrophy is a fundamental biological process that allows tissues and organs to adapt to increased demand, but when it occurs in response to pathological conditions, it can contribute to disease progression.