Hypertrophy facts for kids
Hypertrophy (from Greek ὑπέρ "excess" + τροφή "nourishment") is the increase in the volume of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells. It should be distinguished from hyperplasia, in which the cells remain approximately the same size but increase in number. Although hypertrophy and hyperplasia are two distinct processes, they frequently occur together, such as in the case of the hormonally-induced proliferation and enlargement of the cells of the uterus during pregnancy.
One of the two most common and visible forms of organ hypertrophy occurs in skeletal muscles in response to strength training or bodybuilding.
Images for kids
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Kidney hypertrophy
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Hypertrophy of the ear (macrotia)
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Hypertrophy of the temporal muscles
See also
In Spanish: Hipertrofia para niños
