What does muscular hypertrophy refer to?

Muscular hypertrophy refers specifically to an increase in the size and mass of muscle fibers. This process often occurs through resistance training and weightlifting, where the muscles experience stress and microscopic tears. As these tears heal, the muscle fibers repair and grow larger, leading to increased muscle size. This adaptation is beneficial for enhancing physical performance, strength, and overall body composition.

In contrast, the other options speak to different concepts. A decrease in muscle mass refers to muscular atrophy, which is the opposite effect of hypertrophy. Increasing flexibility relates to stretching and may involve improving the range of motion of muscles and joints, which does not directly correlate with muscle size. The development of muscle endurance is focused on the ability of muscles to sustain prolonged exertion, rather than increasing their size.