Hyperplasia

Definition

Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to its enlargement. It is often a response to a stimulus and can be physiological or pathological.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hyperplasia can occur in endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, due to hormonal imbalances.
2. Nutritional factors, including deficiencies or excesses, can influence the development of hyperplasia.
3. Unlike hypertrophy (increase in cell size), hyperplasia involves an increase in cell number.
4. Physiological hyperplasia occurs as a normal response to stimuli, such as breast tissue growth during pregnancy.
5. Pathological hyperplasia may lead to conditions like goiter or endometrial hyperplasia and often requires medical intervention.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes hyperplasia from hypertrophy?
• How can nutritional factors impact the development of hyperplasia?
• Give an example of both physiological and pathological hyperplasia.

Related terms

Hypertrophy: An increase in the size of cells in a tissue or organ without an increase in cell number.

Goiter: An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland often due to iodine deficiency.

Endocrine Gland: A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions.