Light micrograph of hypertrophy of the prostate gland. Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, this condition causes enlargement of the prostate. Here, nodular growth and proliferation (at centre) occurs in the inner part of the gland. The nodules contain enlarged acini (tubules) of the normal glandular tissue. These acini are lined with tall epithelial cells (mauve) which may, as seen here, be thrown into folds. The fibromuscular connective tissue separating the acini may also hypertrophy, as at lower left. Enlarged prostate is common in men over 50 years old, with unknown cause. It may prevent urine being expelled from the bladder. Magnification: x15 at 35mm size. Magnification; x30 at 6x7cm.