Question

during growth, a tissue increases in size by
○ recruiting cells from surrounding tissues.
○ increasing the size of its cells.
○ increasing its rate of cell division.
○ dilating blood vessels to increase its blood supply.
○ increasing the osmolarity of its tissue fluid to draw in water.

Explanation:

To determine how a tissue increases in size during growth, we analyze each option:

• Recruiting cells from surrounding tissues is not a typical way for tissue growth as tissues grow mainly through their own cell processes, not by recruiting from others.
• Increasing the size of its cells (hypertrophy) is one of the mechanisms by which tissues can grow, especially in non - dividing or slowly dividing tissues. For example, muscle cells can increase in size during muscle growth.
• Increasing the rate of cell division (hyperplasia) is also a mechanism, but the question is about the option that best applies. However, the most fundamental and common way that is a direct cause of tissue size increase at the cellular level (and a very basic mechanism) is increasing cell size or cell division. But among the options, increasing the size of its cells is a valid mechanism.
• Dilating blood vessels to increase blood supply is related to tissue function and nutrient delivery, not directly to increasing tissue size.
• Increasing the osmolarity of tissue fluid to draw in water would cause swelling, not true growth.

Answer:

B. increasing the size of its cells. (Note: Also, increasing the rate of cell division is a valid mechanism for tissue growth, but in the context of the options and typical basic tissue growth mechanisms, increasing cell size is a key way. However, if we consider the options, the best answer here is "increasing the size of its cells" as one of the primary mechanisms of tissue growth along with cell division. But strictly from the options, the correct answer is the option stating "increasing the size of its cells".)