What is atrophy defined as?

Atrophy is defined as a decrease in cell size, which is a fundamental concept in the study of cellular responses to various stimuli. This phenomenon occurs when cells shrink due to a decrease in the workload they perform, reduced nutrient supply, or a loss of stimulation from hormonal or neural factors. Atrophy can be a natural part of development, as seen when certain tissues reduce in size after reaching maturity, or it can occur due to pathological conditions, such as muscle wasting in response to immobility or aging.

As cells atrophy, they may lose functional capacity, which can lead to a reduction in the overall size of the tissue or organ composed of those cells. Understanding atrophy is crucial in fields such as pathology, geriatrics, and rehabilitation because it helps in identifying and addressing conditions that may adversely affect health and functional capacity.