What is hypoplasia?

Hypoplasia refers to the underdevelopment or incomplete development of an organ or tissue, which is why it is the correct answer. This condition results in a reduced number of cells, leading to smaller organ size or insufficient function of that organ. For example, hypoplasia can affect dental enamel, where it may result in teeth that are smaller or have defects, or it may impact other organs such as the lungs or heart, affecting their overall function and health.

The other potential options describe different biological processes. Normal growth of cells indicates a healthy and appropriate increase in cell number and size, while an increase in cell size refers to hypertrophy, which is distinct from hypoplasia. An increase in the number of cells describes hyperplasia, another process that involves growth but in a manner opposite to what hypoplasia entails. Understanding these differences is essential for grasping various developmental and pathological conditions in nursing practice.