Atrophy

Atrophy (Greek, “not nourished”), decrease in size and function or wasting away of any organ, tissue, or part of the body as a result of disease, malnutrition, decreased work, or normal processes of growth or body function. Among the types of atrophy are acute yellow atrophy, massive necrosis of the liver associated with severe infection; toxemia of pregnancy or ingested poisons; and progressive muscular atrophy, a motor neuron disease characterized by loss of power and wasting in the arms and legs.