Which term refers to loss of muscle or tissue mass due to inactivity?

Which term refers to loss of muscle or tissue mass due to inactivity?

• A. Atrophy
• B. Arthritis
• C. Acidosis
• D. Alkalosis

Answer: (A)

Loss of muscle or tissue mass due to not using a body part is known as atrophy. When muscles are unused or immobilized, the muscle fibers shrink and the overall size and strength decrease because protein synthesis slows while breakdown can continue. This is disuse atrophy, which can occur after injury or prolonged bed rest, and it can also happen if nerve supply to a muscle is reduced (neurogenic atrophy). The other terms refer to different conditions: arthritis is joint inflammation, acidosis is excess acid in body fluids, and alkalosis is excess base; none describe wasting from inactivity.

Loss of muscle or tissue mass due to not using a body part is known as atrophy. When muscles are unused or immobilized, the muscle fibers shrink and the overall size and strength decrease because protein synthesis slows while breakdown can continue. This is disuse atrophy, which can occur after injury or prolonged bed rest, and it can also happen if nerve supply to a muscle is reduced (neurogenic atrophy). The other terms refer to different conditions: arthritis is joint inflammation, acidosis is excess acid in body fluids, and alkalosis is excess base; none describe wasting from inactivity.