muscular atrophy
Quick Summary
Muscular atrophy is the decrease in size of muscle tissue, often leading to weakness. This can occur naturally with aging or due to various conditions.
Causes and Types:
* Disuse: Muscles that are not used, such as when a limb is immobilized, can waste away.1
* Nerve Damage: Diseases affecting motor nerves, like polio, can cause severe muscle inactivity and atrophy.21
* Muscular Dystrophies: These are hereditary disorders characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness. The Duchenne type is severe, affecting boys and leading to significant disability and premature death.21
* Other Conditions: Atrophy can also result from starvation, certain vitamin deficiencies, pressure on tissues, and specific diseases affecting endocrine glands or nerve tissue.23
While some atrophy is a normal part of aging, significant muscle loss can impair function and quality of life.3
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Jean-Martin CharcotIn his study of muscular atrophy, Charcot described the symptoms of locomotor ataxia, a degeneration of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and of the sensory nerve trunks. He was also first to describe the disintegration of ligaments and joint surfaces (Charcotās disease, or Charcotās joint) caused byā¦
Read MoreIn his study of muscular atrophy, Charcot described the symptoms of locomotor ataxia, a degeneration of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and of the sensory nerve trunks. He was also first to describe the disintegration of ligaments and joint surfaces (Charcotās disease, or Charcotās joint) caused byā¦
Read More- Jean Cruveilhier
ā¦an early account of progressive muscular atrophy, which is sometimes called Cruveilhierās atrophy, or Cruveilhierās disease. His name is included in the (French) medical names for congenital cirrhosis of the liver and for stomach ulcers caused by excess acid.
Read Moreā¦an early account of progressive muscular atrophy, which is sometimes called Cruveilhierās atrophy, or Cruveilhierās disease. His name is included in the (French) medical names for congenital cirrhosis of the liver and for stomach ulcers caused by excess acid.
Read More