What process involves the replacement of destroyed tissue with the same type of tissue?

The process that involves the replacement of destroyed tissue with the same type of tissue is known as regeneration. This occurs when the body is able to produce new cells that are identical in structure and function to the original cells that were lost or damaged. For example, if a small portion of the liver is damaged, the liver has the ability to regenerate and restore itself to its original state by replicating the liver cells.

Regeneration is distinct from other healing processes in that it results in complete restoration without the formation of scar tissue. This is an important aspect of regeneration, as scars often do not have the same functional properties as the original tissue, which can affect the overall functionality of the affected organ or area.

In contrast, healing may refer more broadly to the body’s repair processes, which may include regeneration, but can also involve other mechanisms. Scar formation typically refers to the replacement of tissue with more fibrous tissue following injury, which does not restore the area to its original function. Hyperplasia refers to the increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, leading to its enlargement, but it does not imply that the tissue has been replaced in a way that restores the original structure and function.