Hypertrophy

Definition

Hypertrophy is the increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells. In weight management, it often refers to the growth of muscle fibers resulting from exercise or pharmacological interventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hypertrophy can be induced by resistance training and specific weight management drugs that promote muscle growth.
2. Muscle hypertrophy involves two main types: myofibrillar (increased muscle fiber size) and sarcoplasmic (increased volume of sarcoplasmic fluid).
3. Anabolic steroids are one class of drugs known to cause hypertrophy by increasing protein synthesis in muscles.
4. Hypertrophy differs from hyperplasia, which is the increase in the number of cells rather than their size.
5. Nutritional support, such as adequate protein intake, is critical for achieving optimal hypertrophy.

Review Questions

• What are the two main types of muscle hypertrophy?
• How do anabolic steroids contribute to muscle hypertrophy?
• What is a key difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia?

Related terms

Myofibrillar Hypertrophy: Increase in muscle fiber size due to resistance training.

Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: Increase in volume of sarcoplasmic fluid within muscles.

Hyperplasia:

Increase in the number of cells within a tissue or organ.