What is the term for when a muscle loses bulk and withers?

The term for when a muscle loses bulk and withers is atrophy. Atrophy refers specifically to the reduction in muscle mass that can occur due to various reasons, including disuse, aging, malnutrition, or a medical condition. As a result, the muscle fibers shrink in size, and the overall volume of the muscle decreases.

Understanding atrophy is crucial in the context of physical therapy and rehabilitation, as it can significantly affect a person's strength and functionality. Treatment and exercise regimens often focus on preventing or reversing atrophy to maintain muscle health and overall physical performance.

Hypertrophy, by contrast, involves the increase in muscle size due to specific types of exercise, particularly resistance training. Dystrophy refers generally to abnormal growth or development of tissues, which can encompass muscle tissues among others, but does not specifically denote the loss of muscle bulk. Contracture describes a condition where muscles or tendons shorten, leading to stiffness and reduced range of motion without necessarily indicating a loss in muscle mass.