An enlarged cell is called a hypertrophic cell, referring to the condition of hypertrophy.
Understanding Cell Enlargement
When cells increase in size, it is typically due to an increase in the size of individual cells, and not the number of cells. This process, known as hypertrophy, contrasts with hyperplasia, which involves an increase in the number of cells. Both hypertrophy and hyperplasia can contribute to abnormal growth. According to our reference, "Abnormal growth is caused by hypertrophy (excessive cell enlargement), hyperplasia (excessive cell division), and etiolation (excessive elongation)."
Here’s a breakdown of what causes a cell to enlarge and the related terms:
Hypertrophy: The Key to Cell Enlargement
Hypertrophy is the term for the increase in the size of cells. This can occur in response to various factors, including:
- Increased Workload: For example, muscle cells can undergo hypertrophy when they are subjected to increased physical demands, leading to an increase in their size and strength.
- Hormonal Signals: Specific hormones can also induce hypertrophy in certain tissues.
- Pathological Conditions: In some instances, abnormal cell enlargement can be a sign of disease.
Differentiating Hypertrophy from Hyperplasia
| Feature | Hypertrophy | Hyperplasia |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Increase in cell size | Increase in cell number |
| Mechanism | Cells increase in volume | Cells divide and increase in count |
| Example | Muscle growth from exercise | Growth of glandular tissue during puberty |
| Cause | Increased workload or signals | Hormonal changes or other stimulants |
Other Terms Related to Cell Growth
Besides hypertrophy and hyperplasia, the reference also mentions etiolation. Etiolation refers to the excessive elongation of plant cells, especially in response to insufficient light, and isn’t usually used to describe enlarged animal cells.
Therefore, while other growth-related terms exist, the most appropriate term for an enlarged cell is a hypertrophic cell, caused by hypertrophy.
