Editing Atrophy (section)

==Muscle atrophies==
{{Main|Muscle atrophy}}

''Disuse atrophy'' of muscles and bones, with loss of mass and strength, can occur after prolonged immobility, such as extended [[bedrest]], or having a body part in a cast (living in darkness for the eye, bedridden for the legs etc.). This type of atrophy can usually be reversed with exercise unless severe.

There are many diseases and conditions which cause atrophy of muscle mass. For example, diseases such as cancer and AIDS induce a body wasting syndrome called ''[[cachexia]]'', which is notable for the severe muscle atrophy seen. Other syndromes or conditions which can induce [[skeletal striated muscle|skeletal muscle]] atrophy are [[congestive heart failure]] and liver disease.

During aging, there is a gradual decrease in the ability to maintain skeletal muscle function and mass. This condition is called ''[[sarcopenia]]'', and may be distinct from atrophy in its pathophysiology. While the exact cause of sarcopenia is unknown, it may be induced by a combination of a gradual failure in the [[satellite cells]] which help to regenerate skeletal muscle fibers, and a decrease in sensitivity to or the availability of critical secreted growth factors which are necessary to maintain muscle mass and satellite cell survival.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003188.htm | title = Muscle atrophy | publisher= [[MedlinePlus]] | access-date = 2007-10-02 | date = 2007-05-22 | last = Campellone | first = Joseph V. | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071013000952/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003188.htm| archive-date= 13 October 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>