Muscle atrophy

Definition

Muscle atrophy is the decrease in muscle mass and strength due to a lack of physical activity, aging, or disease. This condition often leads to weakened muscles, reduced mobility, and can significantly impact overall motor function as individuals age, making it harder for them to perform daily tasks and maintain their independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Muscle atrophy can occur due to disuse, such as when a person is bedridden or experiences prolonged periods of inactivity.
2. As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass, which can accelerate with factors like poor nutrition and inactivity.
3. Resistance training and regular physical activity are essential for preventing muscle atrophy and maintaining motor function in older adults.
4. Hormonal changes related to aging can also contribute to muscle atrophy by affecting muscle protein synthesis.
5. Recovery from muscle atrophy can take time and often requires a combination of strength training, adequate nutrition, and sometimes physical therapy.

Review Questions

• How does muscle atrophy relate to aging and its effects on motor function?
  • Muscle atrophy is closely linked to aging as it involves the natural decline in muscle mass and strength that occurs over time. This loss of muscle can significantly affect motor function, making tasks that require strength or coordination more challenging for older adults. As individuals age, factors such as decreased physical activity and nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate muscle atrophy, leading to increased frailty and a greater risk of falls.
• Discuss the role of resistance training in combating muscle atrophy among older adults.
  • Resistance training plays a crucial role in combating muscle atrophy by promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains. For older adults, engaging in regular resistance exercises can help preserve muscle mass and improve functional abilities. This type of training stimulates the muscles, encouraging protein synthesis and counteracting the effects of disuse and aging. Incorporating resistance training into a fitness regimen can enhance overall quality of life and independence in aging individuals.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of untreated muscle atrophy on an individual's health and mobility.
  • Untreated muscle atrophy can lead to severe long-term consequences for an individual's health and mobility. As muscle mass decreases, not only does strength diminish but also balance and coordination are adversely affected, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Over time, this decline in functional capacity can lead to a cycle of inactivity, further exacerbating muscle loss. Ultimately, untreated muscle atrophy may result in significant disability, decreased quality of life, and a greater reliance on caregivers or healthcare services.

Related terms

sarcopenia: Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, contributing to the decline in motor function among older adults.

neuromuscular junction: The neuromuscular junction is the synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle fiber, playing a critical role in muscle activation and contraction.

physical inactivity: Physical inactivity refers to a lifestyle characterized by insufficient physical activity, which can lead to various health issues including muscle atrophy.