Hypertrophic refers to an increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its cells. This condition can occur in various parts of the body, such as the heart, muscles, or skin. For example, in the case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle thickens, which can affect its ability to pump blood effectively. Hypertrophy can be a normal response to certain stimuli, such as exercise, where muscle fibers grow larger to adapt to increased physical demands. However, it can also be pathological, indicating an underlying health issue. Understanding hypertrophy is important in fields like medicine and sports science.