North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) Practice Exam

What term describes the increase in the number of cells through cell division?

1. Hyperplasia

2. Hypertrophy

3. Atrophy

4. Metaplasia

The correct answer is: Hyperplasia

Hyperplasia is the term that specifically describes an increase in the number of cells due to cell division. This process can occur in various tissues and is often a response to an increased demand or a stimulus. For instance, in certain conditions like pregnancy, the cells in the uterine lining may proliferate to accommodate the growing fetus, resulting in hyperplasia. In contrast, hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of existing cells, rather than the number of cells, and is often observed in muscle tissue as a response to increased workload. Atrophy describes the decrease in cell size or number, usually due to reduced demand or loss of stimulation, leading to a shrinking of tissue. Metaplasia refers to the process where one differentiated cell type changes to another type, often as a response to chronic irritation or inflammation. Thus, hyperplasia is distinctly characterized by the proliferation of cells through division, making it the correct choice among the options provided.