What does "Atrophy" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.
Atrophy in medicine refers to the gradual decline or wasting away of a part of the body, often a muscle or organ. This happens when the cells in that part of the body start to shrink or die, causing the whole part to become smaller or weaker. Atrophy can occur due to various reasons such as lack of use, aging, disease, or injury. It's like when a machine part rusts and wears out over time because it's not being used or maintained properly.
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