atrophy

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atrophy

atrophy , diminution in the size of a cell, tissue, or organ from its fully developed normal size. Temporary atrophy may occur in muscles that are not used, as when a limb is encased in a plaster cast. Interference with cellular nutrition, as through starvation; diseases affecting the nerve supply of tissues, e.g., poliomyelitis and muscular dystrophy; and prolonged disuse may cause a permanent wasting away of tissue. Atrophy may also follow hypertrophy .

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atrophy

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Â© A Dictionary of Biology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

atrophy The degeneration or withering of an organ or part of the body.

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"atrophy." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved December 18, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-atrophy.html

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atrophy

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Â© A Dictionary of Zoology 1999, originally published by Oxford University Press 1999. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

atrophy Of a structure, limb, organ, tissue, etc., to diminish in size.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "atrophy." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 18 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "atrophy." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (December 18, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-atrophy.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "atrophy." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved December 18, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-atrophy.html

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