Which one of the following terms indicates an increase in the size of cells without an increase in the number of cells?

Appeared in: SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Explanation

Hypertrophy is defined as an increase in the size of parenchymal cells, which results in the enlargement of the affected organ or tissue.
This adaptation occurs without any change in the number of cells.
It is a common response in cells that have a limited capacity to divide, such as cardiac muscle and skeletal muscle.
The underlying mechanism is an increased synthesis of cellular proteins and organelles to meet higher functional demands.

Option A: Hyperplasia is an increase in the number of cells, not their size. The question specifies no increase in cell number.
Option C: Dysplasia refers to abnormal, disordered cell growth and development, not a simple increase in size. It involves changes in cell shape, size, and organization.
Option D: Atrophy is the opposite of hypertrophy; it is a decrease in cell size and can also involve a decrease in cell number.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cellular Adaptations as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding cellular adaptations is crucial for interpreting clinical findings. For example, an enlarged heart on an echocardiogram may indicate left ventricular hypertrophy due to chronic hypertension.
Nurses monitor for signs of pathologic adaptations, such as assessing for urinary difficulties in older men, which could indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Patient education is key. A nurse might explain to a patient with a leg cast that muscle atrophy is expected but can be reversed with physical therapy after the cast is removed.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key defining phrases in the question stem: "increase in the size of cells" and "without an increase in the number of cells".
Next, systematically review the definition of each option.
Recall that 'hyper-' means 'over' or 'above', and '-trophy' relates to growth or nourishment. Thus, 'hypertrophy' means overgrowth in size.
Recall that '-plasia' relates to formation or number. Thus, 'hyperplasia' means an increase in number.
Compare the question's definition with the definitions of the options. The question perfectly matches the definition of hypertrophy.
Eliminate the other options based on their definitions: hyperplasia (increased number), dysplasia (disordered growth), and atrophy (decreased size).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Cellular Adaptations
Stem keywords: increase in the size of cells, without an increase in the number of cells
Lead-in keywords: Which one

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E6 Pathology-Textbook of PATHOLOGYHarsh Mohan Part 1 (1-214) pp. 59-61, 61-63

E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 69-71

Practise the full SCTIMST Staff Nurse - 2015 (Set-A)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.