Atrophy

Atrophy is the progressive decline in the size and function of a tissue, organ, or the entire body, typically due to the loss of cells or a reduction in cell size. It can result from a variety of factors including disuse, malnutrition, aging, disease, nerve damage, or insufficient blood supply. The process often leads to a weakening of the affected area and a decreased ability to perform its normal functions. Recognizing the underlying cause is critical for treatment, which often aims to restore the lost function or prevent further deterioration.

Atrophy meaning with examples

• After breaking his leg, the patient experienced muscle atrophy in his calf due to disuse. The physical therapist developed an exercise plan to counteract the muscle loss and regain strength, emphasizing the importance of consistent rehabilitation.
• The farmer noticed the plants showed signs of atrophy from lack of water. He quickly set up irrigation in the field to supply enough water to the plants, thus helping in their growth.
• As the disease progressed, the patient showed significant cerebral atrophy. Brain scans revealed a concerning loss of brain tissue which led to cognitive decline, requiring intensive care to improve the patient's condition.
• Astronauts experience bone atrophy in space due to the lack of gravitational stress on their skeletal system. They are expected to perform specific exercises daily to minimize bone density loss and maintain physical health.
• The lack of consistent, structured studying led to the student's knowledge of the subject to atrophy, making it harder to answer test questions, resulting in declining grades.