Which term means decrease in size of tissue?

Which term means decrease in size of tissue?

• A. Hypertrophy
• B. Atrophy
• C. DTR
• D. Gait

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how tissue size changes due to cellular adjustments. Decrease in tissue size is called atrophy. It happens when cells shrink or when there are fewer cells, often because the tissue isn’t being used, is receiving less blood, or isn’t getting enough nutrients. A common example is muscle wasting after immobilization or with aging. In contrast, hypertrophy is the opposite: tissue enlarges because the cells themselves enlarge (or increase in number), such as muscles growing with resistance training. The other terms describe different ideas: deep tendon reflex is a quick involuntary contraction in response to a tendon tap, reflecting nervous system function, and gait refers to the way someone walks.

The concept being tested is how tissue size changes due to cellular adjustments. Decrease in tissue size is called atrophy. It happens when cells shrink or when there are fewer cells, often because the tissue isn’t being used, is receiving less blood, or isn’t getting enough nutrients. A common example is muscle wasting after immobilization or with aging. In contrast, hypertrophy is the opposite: tissue enlarges because the cells themselves enlarge (or increase in number), such as muscles growing with resistance training.

The other terms describe different ideas: deep tendon reflex is a quick involuntary contraction in response to a tendon tap, reflecting nervous system function, and gait refers to the way someone walks.