Decrease in muscle size?

Decrease in muscle size?

• A. Dystrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. Hypertrophy
• D. Lymphedema

Answer: (B)

Decreased muscle size is called atrophy. Atrophy occurs when muscles lose mass due to reduced use, aging, malnutrition, or nerve injury. The muscle fibers shrink because protein breakdown exceeds protein synthesis, leading to smaller cross‑sectional area of fibers and sometimes loss of muscle fibers themselves. This contrasts with hypertrophy, where muscle size increases from increased use or hormonal influences; dystrophy refers to a disease process of progressive muscle degeneration with tissue replacement; and lymphedema is swelling from fluid buildup in the lymphatic system, not a shrinkage of muscle.

Decreased muscle size is called atrophy. Atrophy occurs when muscles lose mass due to reduced use, aging, malnutrition, or nerve injury. The muscle fibers shrink because protein breakdown exceeds protein synthesis, leading to smaller cross‑sectional area of fibers and sometimes loss of muscle fibers themselves. This contrasts with hypertrophy, where muscle size increases from increased use or hormonal influences; dystrophy refers to a disease process of progressive muscle degeneration with tissue replacement; and lymphedema is swelling from fluid buildup in the lymphatic system, not a shrinkage of muscle.