What is hyperplasia?

Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to an excessive amount of tissue. This phenomenon can occur in response to various stimuli, such as hormonal changes or increased demand for that particular tissue's function. For example, during puberty, the breasts may undergo hyperplasia due to hormonal influences, resulting in increased glandular tissue.

In contrast, reduced cell growth is indicative of atrophy, which involves a decrease in cell size or number. Malignant cancer growth actually describes neoplasia, which can involve uncontrolled and often rapid cell proliferation that is unregulated and can invade surrounding tissues. Normal tissue regeneration is a different process that involves the replacement and repair of tissue following injury, maintaining homeostasis without the excessive growth characteristic of hyperplasia.

Thus, the correct description of hyperplasia encompasses its defining feature of excessive tissue due to an increase in cell count.