True hypertrophy is a term used to describe the growth or increase in size of muscle fibers due to resistance training. The word "hypertrophy" is pronounced /haɪˈpɝː.trə.fi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "hi" as in "high", the second syllable is "per" as in "perfect" and the third syllable is "trophy" as in "trophy". The stress is on the second syllable "per". Understanding the correct pronunciation and spelling of this word is important for professionals in the field of exercise science and nutrition.
True hypertrophy, also known as muscle hypertrophy, refers to the growth and enlargement of skeletal muscle fibers in response to increased workload or muscular activity. It is a natural physiological process that occurs as a result of consistent and progressive resistance training.
During true hypertrophy, muscle fibers experience structural changes in their size and architecture, leading to an increase in muscle mass and strength. This occurs primarily due to the addition of contractile proteins within the muscle cells, resulting in a thicker and denser muscle fiber. As the muscle fibers adapt to higher levels of stress, they undergo hypertrophy to better withstand and generate force.
True hypertrophy is characterized by an increase in muscle size rather than an increase in the number of muscle fibers, as the number of fibers is typically determined during early development and usually remains constant throughout adulthood. However, hypertrophy can lead to an increase in the cross-sectional area of existing muscle fibers, resulting in a visually noticeable difference in muscle size.
In addition to resistance training, factors such as proper nutrition, adequate rest, and hormonal balance play crucial roles in maximizing true hypertrophy. Hormones such as testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factors are known to stimulate hypertrophy and contribute to muscle protein synthesis.
True hypertrophy is sought after by athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts as it enhances physical performance, improves body composition, and promotes overall functional strength. It plays a key role in the process of muscle development and adaptation to training stimuli, ultimately leading to increased muscular size and strength.
An increase in size involving all the different tissues composing the part.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "true hypertrophy" can be broken down as follows:
1. True: This word comes from the Old English word "treowe" and the Middle English word "trewe", both of which meant "faithful" or "loyal". Its origins can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*treuwaz", meaning "having good faith" or "trustworthy".
2. Hypertrophy: This word is derived from the Ancient Greek roots "hyper-" meaning "above" or "beyond" and "trophḗ" meaning "nourishment" or "growth". Therefore, hypertrophy refers to the excessive or abnormal growth and increase in size of an organ or tissue due to an increase in the size of its cells.
When combined, "true hypertrophy" refers to a genuine or legitimate form of excessive growth and increase in size of an organ or tissue.