Atrophy occurs when which of the following situations is present?

Atrophy occurs when which of the following situations is present?

• A. Carbon dioxide and lactic acid accumulate in the muscle.
• B. Muscle decreases in size and function due to disease or trauma.
• C. The tendons that attach muscle to bone become injured.
• D. Increased use of skeletal muscle enhances its strength.

Answer: (B)

Atrophy refers to the reduction in size and function of muscles, and this occurs primarily when there is a lack of use or when muscles are subjected to disease or trauma. In situations where muscles are not actively engaged, typically due to prolonged immobilization, neurological conditions, or other health issues, muscle fibers decrease in both size and functionality. This diminishment reflects the body’s adaptive processes, where it conserves energy by reducing the resources allocated to inactive tissues. In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not specifically define atrophy. The accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the muscle relates more to fatigue than to a decrease in muscle size. Injured tendons can certainly affect muscle function, but they do not directly cause atrophy within the muscle tissue itself. Lastly, increased use of skeletal muscle leads to hypertrophy, which is the opposite of atrophy, as it focuses on growth rather than reduction. Thus, the correct understanding of atrophy hinges on recognizing the impact of disease or trauma on the muscle's size and function.

Atrophy refers to the reduction in size and function of muscles, and this occurs primarily when there is a lack of use or when muscles are subjected to disease or trauma. In situations where muscles are not actively engaged, typically due to prolonged immobilization, neurological conditions, or other health issues, muscle fibers decrease in both size and functionality. This diminishment reflects the body’s adaptive processes, where it conserves energy by reducing the resources allocated to inactive tissues.

In contrast, the other options present scenarios that do not specifically define atrophy. The accumulation of carbon dioxide and lactic acid in the muscle relates more to fatigue than to a decrease in muscle size. Injured tendons can certainly affect muscle function, but they do not directly cause atrophy within the muscle tissue itself. Lastly, increased use of skeletal muscle leads to hypertrophy, which is the opposite of atrophy, as it focuses on growth rather than reduction. Thus, the correct understanding of atrophy hinges on recognizing the impact of disease or trauma on the muscle's size and function.