Atrophic is defined as 'relating to or characterized by atrophy'. A simple definition of atrophy is 'a reduction in size of an organ, due to any kind of disease or disuse; feel atrophy; any deteriorating or degeneration (especially through lack of use)'.
In general, atrophic refers to a wasting away or shrinkage of any organ, part, tissue or cell. This wasting away may be partial or complete. Some of the causes of atrophy are poor nourishment, inadequate circulation, hormonal changes, death and re-absorption of cells, disuse or lack of exercise and even disease that is intrinsic to the tissue.
Atrophy is actually a common physiological process involving the re-absorption and breakdown of tissues, relating to apoptosis on a cellular level. Atrophy can be an element of the standard development of the body and homeostatic processes, or it could result from disease, or from loss of trophic support caused by other disease in which case it is termed pathological atrophy.
In general, atrophic refers to a wasting away or shrinkage of any organ, part, tissue or cell. This wasting away may be partial or complete. Some of the causes of atrophy are poor nourishment, inadequate circulation, hormonal changes, death and re-absorption of cells, disuse or lack of exercise and even disease that is intrinsic to the tissue.
Atrophy is actually a common physiological process involving the re-absorption and breakdown of tissues, relating to apoptosis on a cellular level. Atrophy can be an element of the standard development of the body and homeostatic processes, or it could result from disease, or from loss of trophic support caused by other disease in which case it is termed pathological atrophy.
