Which term describes the process of muscle fibers becoming larger and stronger?

Hypertrophy is the term that describes the process by which muscle fibers increase in size and strength as a result of resistance training or other forms of consistent physical activity. This physiological process occurs when muscle fibers experience stress, such as lifting weights, leading to microscopic tears. The body responds to this damage by repairing the muscle fibers through a combination of protein synthesis and hormonal activity, ultimately resulting in larger and stronger muscles.

In contrast, atrophy refers to the decrease in muscle mass due to disuse or denervation, which is the opposite of hypertrophy. Muscle fatigue occurs when muscles are unable to perform at their optimal capacity, typically due to prolonged exertion, without necessarily indicating any changes in muscle size or strength. Overtraining syndrome occurs when an athlete trains excessively without adequate recovery, leading to diminished performance and other health issues, rather than focusing on gaining muscle size and strength. Thus, hypertrophy is the relevant term that accurately describes the growth and strengthening of muscle fibers.