In which muscle is the term "hyperplasia" commonly used?

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The term "hyperplasia" commonly refers to an increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, which is particularly relevant in smooth muscle. This process often occurs in response to various stimuli, such as hormonal changes or mechanical stress, and is a key characteristic of smooth muscle’s ability to adapt and grow.

While skeletal and cardiac muscle primarily undergo hypertrophy (which is an increase in the size of existing cells rather than an increase in cell number), smooth muscle can actively undergo hyperplasia. This adaptability allows smooth muscle to respond effectively to changes and demands in various physiological contexts, such as during pregnancy when the uterus expands, or in response to increased vascular demands. In summary, the specificity of hyperplasia to smooth muscle makes it the most accurate choice in the context of this question, highlighting the unique capacity of smooth muscle to proliferate in certain conditions.

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