What does hypertrophy refer to in cellular biology?

Hypertrophy refers specifically to an increase in the size of individual cells, which consequently leads to an overall increase in the size of a tissue or organ. This process can occur in response to various stimuli, such as increased workload or stress on the tissues. For example, muscle cells can undergo hypertrophy in response to regular strength training, leading to larger muscle mass.

Understanding hypertrophy is crucial because it is a key mechanism through which the body adapts to demands placed on it. It differs from hyperplasia, which involves an increase in the number of cells. The distinction is important in both physiological contexts, such as muscle growth, as well as in pathologies where abnormal cellular changes can occur. Thus, defining hypertrophy in the context of cell size is essential for accurate understanding in cellular biology.