What are the different types of atrophy?

Atrophy, a reduction in size that affects tissue function, can occur in the muscles and glands of the body. It can be caused by genetic, environmental, lifestyle, or disease factors. Treatment options depend on the cause; some cases can be treated with exercise, for example, while others may require medical assistance. In an evaluation of atrophy, a medical professional can determine the scope and origins to make treatment recommendations.

Skeletal muscles are more subject to atrophy. Some people have congenital conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy, that cause their muscles to shrink over time. Others may have conditions that affect their nervous systems, indirectly causing muscle wasting because the nerves cannot fully stimulate the muscles. Lifestyle factors, such as disuse, can also be contributing causes, a particular concern for bedridden patients and people in weightless environments.

Poor circulation, inadequate nutrition, and damage to the nervous system can also deprive muscles of the nutrients and stimulation they need to function. Over time, this can cause the muscles to shrink because they don't see regular use. A patient with a spinal cord injury, for example, may develop muscle atrophy below the injury site because those muscles do not receive any signals from the nerves.

Smooth muscle such as that around the airways and vagina can also shrink and weaken over time. Women tend to experience thinning of the vaginal walls as they age and enter menopause. In the airways, loss of muscle tone and contraction can be a serious medical problem, as the patient may have difficulty breathing as a result.

The glands are also subject to atrophy. Some naturally shrink over the course of development, while others may shrink in response to disease. Endocrine imbalances can alter the hormones in the patient's body, causing improper signaling to the glands; in turn, they begin to shrink. They may not produce as many hormones as they should, creating a cascading effect of problems for the patient.

The wasting of muscle and glandular tissue can also be associated with disease. Patients may develop problems because the disease directly attacks tissue or because it makes it difficult to eat and stay active. Some treatments may play a role in the development of atrophy; patients can become seriously ill with medications, for example, which can make it difficult for them to maintain a balanced diet and contribute to muscle wasting.

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