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

You will also like...

Structural depiction of catalase, an enzyme
Protein Activity and Cellular Metabolism

Proteins have a crucial role in various biological activities. Get to know how proteins are able to perform as enzymes, ..

A chart depicting Mendel's Law of Dominance
Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics

One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..

Wart-like leaf galls on grape leaves
Plant Cell Defense

Plants protect themselves by releasing hydrogen peroxide to fight against fungal invasion. Another way is by secreting c..

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources
A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat

Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

Consciousness and behavior
Consciousness and Behavior

Human consciousness and behavior are an interesting topic since they are determined and controlled by the brain. Conscio..

genes controlling growth and development
Control of Growth & Development

Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..