Ace the North Carolina Pathology Funeral Service Exam 2026 – Unleash Your Expertise!

The term that describes an increase in the size of the cells of an organ is hypertrophy. This physiological process occurs when cells increase in size as a response to various stimuli, such as increased workload or hormonal changes. Unlike hyperplasia, which refers to an increase in the number of cells, hypertrophy results in enlarged cells, thereby increasing the overall size of the organ.

For example, muscle tissue can exhibit hypertrophy when a person engages in strength training, leading to larger muscle fibers. This concept is essential in understanding how organs can adapt to demands placed on them.