Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

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What term refers to the decrease in muscle tissue size or strength due to lack of use?

Hypertrophy
Atrophy
Dystrophy
Myopathy

The correct answer is: Atrophy

The term that refers to the decrease in muscle tissue size or strength due to lack of use is atrophy. Atrophy occurs when muscles are not utilized adequately, such as during periods of inactivity, immobilization, or certain medical conditions. When muscle fibers are not challenged regularly, they begin to shrink in size, which leads to a reduction in overall muscle strength and mass. Hypertrophy, in contrast, is the process where muscle fibers increase in size due to increased activity or resistance training. Dystrophy refers to a range of conditions that cause muscle weakness and degeneration, but it is not specifically related to disuse. Myopathy encompasses various muscle diseases that can affect function, but it does not specifically denote muscle wasting from lack of use. Therefore, atrophy is the most accurate term to describe the phenomenon of muscle reduction due to inactivity.