Definition
An increase in the number of cells due to growth and division.
Use in clinical context
At fertilisation a single cell with a complete genomic complement is formed. This single cell becomes all the different cells in the body through a number of divisions to proliferate, grow and make more cells. Cellular proliferation is essential for growth and development, but it can also be a part of disease. A key feature of cancer is cells proliferating when they shouldn’t.
Related terms
Cancer | Cell | Cell division | Fertilisation
