Which term refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells?

Which term refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells?

• A. Atrophy
• B. Dysplasia
• C. Hyperplasia
• D. Hypertrophy

Answer: (C)

The term that refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells is hyperplasia. Hyperplasia occurs when cells within a tissue or organ proliferate excessively, leading to an increase in its overall size or mass. This condition can happen in response to various stimuli, such as hormonal changes or chronic irritation. For instance, in the case of hormonal stimulation, certain tissues, like glandular epithelium, may undergo hyperplasia to accommodate increased functional demands. While not necessarily premalignant, hyperplasia can indicate an underlying issue that may require medical attention or monitoring. In contrast, atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue, dysplasia involves the abnormal development or growth of cells—often indicating a pre-cancerous state—and hypertrophy denotes the increase in size of existing cells without a change in number. Therefore, hyperplasia specifically signifies an increase in cell number, distinguishing it from these other terms.

The term that refers to an abnormal increase in the number of cells is hyperplasia. Hyperplasia occurs when cells within a tissue or organ proliferate excessively, leading to an increase in its overall size or mass. This condition can happen in response to various stimuli, such as hormonal changes or chronic irritation.

For instance, in the case of hormonal stimulation, certain tissues, like glandular epithelium, may undergo hyperplasia to accommodate increased functional demands. While not necessarily premalignant, hyperplasia can indicate an underlying issue that may require medical attention or monitoring.

In contrast, atrophy refers to the reduction in size or wasting away of an organ or tissue, dysplasia involves the abnormal development or growth of cells—often indicating a pre-cancerous state—and hypertrophy denotes the increase in size of existing cells without a change in number. Therefore, hyperplasia specifically signifies an increase in cell number, distinguishing it from these other terms.