Atrophy

Definition:

Atrophy is the wasting away or shrinkage of a cell, tissue or organ. It can happen due to factors like disuse, malnutrition, ageing and disease.

There are two main types of atrophy:

• Disuse atrophy. This occurs when a body part is not used in the same way for a long period of time. A person who is bedridden for an extended period of time may experience muscle atrophy in their legs, for example.
• Neurogenic atrophy. This occurs when there is damage to the nerves that supply a muscle or organ. This can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as polio or stroke.

Atrophy can also be a normal part of ageing. As you get older, your body becomes less efficient at producing new cells. This can lead to a decrease in the size of your organs and tissues. ^[1]