Description: Hyperplasia is a biological phenomenon characterized by an increase in the number of cells in an organ or tissue, which can result in an increase in its size. This process can be physiological, such as in the case of tissue growth during lactation, or pathological, as seen in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Hyperplasia occurs as a response to specific stimuli, such as hormones or growth factors, and can be reversible if the stimulus causing it is removed. Unlike hypertrophy, which involves an increase in the size of existing cells, hyperplasia specifically refers to an increase in the number of cells. This process is fundamental in various biological functions, including tissue repair and adaptation to environmental changes. Hyperplasia can be an indicator of underlying pathological processes, making its study crucial in medicine and cell biology to understand various diseases and health conditions.
