What does the term hypertrophy refer to?

Hypertrophy specifically refers to the enlargement of an organ or tissue through the increase in the size of its cells, and in the context of exercise and muscle function, it is primarily related to muscle fibers. This phenomenon occurs as a result of increased workload or resistance training, where muscle fibers experience micro-level tears and subsequent repair contributes to growth, leading to larger and stronger muscles. This process is essential for athletes and those participating in strength training programs who seek to enhance their muscle mass and performance.

The other options do not accurately capture the definition of hypertrophy; they describe other medical concepts or conditions that are unrelated to the idea of muscle enlargement from increased workload.