Which condition is characterized by an increase in cell size rather than cell number?

Hypertrophy is the condition characterized by an increase in the size of individual cells, resulting in an overall growth of the tissue or organ. This can occur in response to various stimuli, such as increased workload or hormonal signals. For example, muscle cells may undergo hypertrophy in response to resistance training, leading to larger muscle mass without an increase in the number of muscle cells.

In contrast, hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of cells, typically resulting from cell division, and is often associated with tissue growth during healing or hormonal changes. Atrophy refers to a decrease in cell size and function, often due to disuse or chronic diseases. Dysplasia is a term used to describe abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of cells, which are indicative of a potential pathological process or pre-cancerous condition.

Understanding these definitions is essential in evaluating the different processes that can affect tissue health and homeostasis.