What is the term for "enlarging muscle fibers"?

The term "hypertrophy" refers to the process of enlarging muscle fibers, leading to an increase in muscle mass and cross-sectional area. This physiological response occurs when muscles are subjected to resistance training or mechanical overload, leading to adaptations. These adaptations involve an increase in the synthesis of proteins that make up muscle fibers, which enhances their size and strength.

Hypertrophy is typically a goal for individuals engaged in strength training and bodybuilding, as it contributes to improved performance, aesthetics, and overall functional capacity. Understanding this process is crucial for developing effective training programs that aim to increase muscle size and strength.

Other terms such as atrophy, isotrophy, and hyperplasia differ in meaning. Atrophy refers to the decrease in muscle size due to disuse or aging, while isotrophy is not a standard term used in this context. Hyperplasia involves an increase in the number of muscle fibers rather than the size of existing fibers, which is a less common process in human physiology compared to hypertrophy.