Atrophy

Wasting away or shrinkage of a normally developed tissue or organ due to a reduction in the size or number of its cells. Atrophy is commonly caused by disuse or inadequate cell nutrition due to poor blood circulation. It may also occur during prolonged illness, when the body needs to use up the protein reserves in muscles. In some circumstances, atrophy is a normal process, as in ovarian atrophy in women who have passed the menopause.

 

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