Dictionary > Atrophy

Atrophy

Atrophy
(Science: pathology) a wasting Away, a diminution in the size of a cell, tissue, organ or part.
Origin: L., gr. Atrophia
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse.Any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use).Undergo atrophy; Muscles that are not used will atrophy.The reduction in size of tissue or organ, possibly after disease. For example when breaking an arm, the arm is temporarily put in a cast for the bone to heal in position. In light of this, many of the muscles in the arm lay unused for a period of time, and begin to waste away due to their redundancy.

Last updated on January 21st, 2021

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