Muscle atrophy is defined as a decrease in the mass of the muscle; it can be a partial or complete wasting away of muscle. When a muscle atrophies, it becomes weaker, since the ability to exert force is related to mass; muscle atrophy is a co-morbidity of several common diseases, including cancer, AIDS, congestive heart disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), renal failure, and severe burns; patients who have "cachexia" in these di...
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Muscle atrophy is defined as a decrease in the mass of the muscle; it can be a partial or complete wasting away of muscle. When a muscle atrophies, it becomes weaker, since the ability to exert force is related to mass; muscle atrophy is a co-morbidity of several common diseases, including cancer, AIDS, congestive heart disease, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), renal failure, and severe burns; patients who have "cachexia" in these disease settings have a poor prognosis.
There are many diseases and conditions which cause a decrease in muscle mass, known as atrophy, including: Dejerine Sottas syndrome (HSMN Type III), inactivity, as seen when a cast is put on a limb, or upon extended bedrest (which can occur during a prolonged illness); cachexia - which is a "body-wasting" syndrome that is a co-morbidity of cancer and Congestive Heart Failure; Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; burns, liver failure, etc. Other syndromes or conditions which can induce skeletal muscle...
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