Shrinkage or wasting away of a tissue or organ because of a reduction in the size or number of its cells Atrophy may result from death and reabsorption of cells, diminished cellular proliferation, pressure, ischemia, malnutrition, decreased activity or hormonal changes
A wasting away or decrease in size of a cell, tissue, organ, or part of the body caused by lack of nourishment, inactivity or loss of nerve supply [Click Here to Return to List]
Atrophy is the wasting away of a normally developed organ or tissue due to degeneration of cells This may occur through undernourishment, disuse, or aging For example, muscle atrophy is the condition resulting from reduced muscle mass which is due to disuse of the muscles
If a muscle or other part of the body atrophies, it decreases in size or strength, often as a result of an illness. = wither, shrivel. if a part of the body atrophies or is atrophied, it becomes weak because of lack of use or lack of blood (atrophia , from , from atrophos , from trephein ). Decrease from previous normal size of the body or a part, cell, organ, or tissue. An organ or body part's cells may be reduced in number, size or both. Atrophy of some cells and organs is normal at certain points in the life cycle. Other causes include malnutrition, disease, disuse, injury, and hormone over-or underproduction
A condition that results when a part of the body is not used (for example, a muscle or limb may atrophy) Atrophy can decrease the size and strength of the affected body part
a wasting of tissues, organs or the entire body; caused by death and resorption of cells, diminished cellular proliferation, pressure, ischemia, malnutrition, decreased function or hormonal changes
any weakening or degeneration (especially through lack of use) a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse undergo atrophy; "Muscles that are not used will atrophy