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Atrophy

Definition

• Atrophy is a wasting or decrease in size of a bodily organ, tissue, or part owing to disease, injury, or lack of use.

You may have heard this term used in reference to accident or paralysis victims: "his muscles atrophied because of non-use".

MSDS Relevance

Exposure to certain chemicals can cause internal organs to degrade, weaken and decrease in size, particularly with chronic (long-term) exposure. While muscles can be rehabilitated through exercise, it is fairly tough to give your kidneys or liver a strength-building workout!

Further Reading

• Muscle Atrophy, an article in the MedLinePlus Encylcopedia at the National Institutes of Health.
• Cerebral (Brain) Atrophy at WrongDiagnosis.com.

See also: chronic, myalgia.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.