Muscle growth
Muscle Growth
Muscle growth, also known as hypertrophy, is the development of mass, density, shape, and function of muscle cells. This process is commonly associated with physical exercise and weight training.
Pronunciation
Muscle growth: /ˈmʌsəl ɡroʊθ/
Hypertrophy: /haɪˈpɜːrtrəfi/
Etymology
The term "muscle" comes from the Latin musculus, meaning "little mouse", possibly because of the shape of certain muscles or because contracting muscles look like mice moving under the skin. "Growth" comes from the Old English grōwan, meaning "to increase in size or quantity".
"Hypertrophy" comes from the Greek hypér, meaning "over" or "more", and trophē, meaning "nourishment".
Process
Muscle growth occurs when the rate of protein synthesis within muscle cells outpaces the rate of protein degradation. This process is stimulated by a variety of factors, most notably physical stress, such as from weightlifting or resistance training, and adequate nutrition, particularly protein intake.
Factors Influencing Muscle Growth
Several factors can influence muscle growth, including:
- Genetics: Some people have genetic factors that help them naturally build muscle.
- Nutrition: Consuming enough protein and overall calories is essential for muscle growth.
- Exercise: Resistance and weight training are the most effective ways to stimulate muscle growth.
- Hormones: Hormones such as testosterone and human growth hormone can significantly influence muscle growth.
Related Terms
- Muscle Atrophy: The opposite of muscle growth, this is the decrease in muscle mass and strength.
- Strength Training: A type of physical exercise that uses resistance to induce muscular contraction, which builds strength, anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.
- Bodybuilding: A sport involving strenuous physical exercise in order to strengthen and enlarge the muscles of the body.
- Protein Synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins.
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