West Coast EMT Block One Exam

What does the term "hypertrophy" refer to?

1. decrease in tissue size

2. increase in tissue size

3. abnormal growth of tissue

4. normal tissue function

The correct answer is: increase in tissue size

The term "hypertrophy" specifically refers to the increase in tissue size, which is a physiological response usually observed when a particular tissue is subjected to increased demand or stimulation. This can often be seen in muscles, where regular exercise leads to an increase in muscle fiber size due to the body's adaptation to the stress placed on it. This process does not imply any abnormality but rather a normal and often healthy response of the body to enhanced functional requirements. Understanding hypertrophy is essential for EMTs, especially in contexts where they might assess patients' physical conditions or provide insights about recovery processes following injuries or illnesses. It is distinct from other terms that denote a decrease in size or abnormal growth, as well as maintaining typical function without size changes.