Proliferation is the growth of tissue cells. In many diseases, it is abnormal. Cancer cells are very prolific. They have higher than normal rates of cell division and growth.
Images
References
Hall JE, Hall ME. Genetic control of protein synthesis, cell function, and cell reproduction. In: Hall JE, Hall ME eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.
Review Date 2/2/2023
Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.