Difference Between Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia
The main difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia is that hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of cells, resulting in an increase in the size of an organ or tissue, while hyperplasia refers to the increase in the number of cells, resulting in the growth of an organ or tissue.
In this article, we will discuss difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia in great detail. But before we dive deeper, let’s explore the topics that we will be covering in this article.
Table of Contents
• Difference Between Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia
• What is Hypertrophy?
• What is Hyperplasia?
• Key Differences Between Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia
Difference Between Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia
For better clarity, let’s explore the difference between hypertrophy and hyperplasia in a tabular format.
| Characteristic | Hypertrophy | Hyperplasia |
| Cell Number | No change | Increase |
| Cell Size | Increase | No change |
| Stimuli | Increased functional demand, workload | Growth factors, hormones |
| Reversibility | Generally reversible | Less reversible |
| Tissue Implications | Increase in overall organ/tissue size | Increase in cell number within tissue |
What is Hypertrophy?
Hypertrophy refers to the increase in size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells. In the context of exercise and fitness, hypertrophy typically refers to the increase in muscle size that results from resistance training.
It occurs when muscle fibers experience micro-tears during exercise and then repair themselves, causing the muscle to grow in size.
What is Hyperplasia?
Hyperplasia is a medical condition where there is an abnormal increase in the number of cells in a particular organ or tissue in the body. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or other underlying medical conditions.
Hyperplasia can be benign or malignant, and it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about this condition.
Key Differences Between Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia
Here are the key differences between hypertrophy and hyperplasia:
- Cell Number: In hypertrophy, there is an increase in the size of existing cells, but the number of cells remains the same. In hyperplasia, there is an increase in the number of cells due to cell division and proliferation.
- Cell Size: Hypertrophy involves an increase in cell size or volume, while in hyperplasia, the individual cell size remains relatively unchanged.
- Stimuli: Hypertrophy is often triggered by increased functional demand or workload on cells, leading to an increase in protein synthesis and cell growth. Hyperplasia, on the other hand, is typically induced by growth factors, hormones, or other stimuli that promote cell division.
- Reversibility: Hypertrophy is generally a reversible process, and cells can return to their original size if the stimulus is removed. Hyperplasia, however, is less reversible, as the newly formed cells persist even after the stimulus is removed.
- Tissue Implications: Hypertrophy can lead to an overall increase in the size of an organ or tissue, whereas hyperplasia results in an increase in the number of cells within a tissue, which may or may not lead to an overall increase in organ size.
