Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function as a natural part of aging. It can be exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle and inadequate nutrition.
Related terms
Muscle hypertrophy: The increase in muscle size and volume due to typically rigorous physical training.
The reduction in muscle mass due to disuse or underuse, often contributing to sarcopenia when it occurs naturally with age.
Protein synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins, crucial for muscle growth and repair; a decrease in efficiency can contribute to sarcopenia