Muscle hypertrophy

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Muscle Hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy (/mʌskəl haɪˈpɜːrtrəfi/) is a term used in the field of Exercise Physiology to describe the growth and increase in size of muscle cells. The term is derived from the Greek words "mus" meaning "mouse" and "hypertrophy" meaning "excess nourishment".

Types of Muscle Hypertrophy

There are two types of muscle hypertrophy: Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy and Myofibrillar Hypertrophy.

  • Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy is an increase in the volume of the non-contractile muscle cell fluid, sarcoplasm. This fluid accounts for 25-30% of the muscle’s size. Although the cross sectional area of the muscle increases, the density of muscle fibers per unit area decreases, and there is no increase in muscular strength.
  • Myofibrillar Hypertrophy on the other hand, is an enlargement of the muscle fiber as it gains more myofibrils, which contract and generate tension in the muscle. With this type of hypertrophy, the area density of myofibrils increases and there is a resultant increase in muscular strength.

Causes of Muscle Hypertrophy

Muscle hypertrophy occurs when the fibers of the muscles sustain damage or injury. The body repairs damaged fibers by fusing them, which increases the mass and size of the muscles. This process is known as Muscle Protein Synthesis.

Certain factors can influence muscle hypertrophy, such as Genetics, Nutrition, and Exercise.

Related Terms

  • Muscle Atrophy: The decrease in muscle mass, opposite of muscle hypertrophy.
  • Hyperplasia: The increase in the number of muscle fibers, as opposed to their size.
  • Strength Training: A type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction.

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