Table of Contents
Introduction:
The introduction should set the tone for the essay and explain what the essay will be about. It should provide a brief overview of the main points that will be covered in the essay.
Atrophy Types
There are three general types of atrophy:
- Functional atrophy: This is a decrease in the size of an organ or tissue due to a decrease in the number of cells, not a decrease in the size of the cells.
- Nutritional atrophy: This is a decrease in the size of an organ or tissue due to a lack of essential nutrients.
- Degenerative atrophy: This is a decrease in the size of an organ or tissue due to cell death.
Symptoms of Muscle Wasting?
The main symptom of muscle wasting is a significant loss of muscle mass. This can lead to a decrease in strength and mobility, and an overall decline in physical function. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and an inability to perform everyday activities.
Muscle Atrophy
Muscle atrophy is a decrease in the size of the muscle. This can occur due to a lack of use (atrophy from disuse), or due to a disease or condition that causes the muscle to waste away (atrophy from disease).
Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, inherited (genetic) disease that affects the muscles in the body. SMA is caused by a problem with the SMN1 gene. This gene makes a protein called Survival of Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1). SMN1 is important for the survival of the nerve cells in the spinal cord that control the muscles. When there is a problem with the SMN1 gene, the nerve cells in the spinal cord die, which leads to muscle weakness and wasting.
There are four types of SMA, which are based on how severe the muscle weakness is.
- Type 1 is the mildest form of SMA and is usually diagnosed in babies and young children. People with type 1 SMA have some muscle weakness, but they are able to walk and most can still breathe on their own.
- Type 2 is a more severe form of SMA that often starts in early childhood. People with type 2 SMA have more muscle weakness and are often unable to walk.
- Type 3 is the most severe form of SMA. People with type 3 SMA often have very little muscle strength and are unable to sit up, stand, or walk. They often need help with breathing and eating.
- Type 4 is a very rare form of SMA that begins in adulthood. People with type 4 SMA have muscle weakness but usually do not have problems with breathing or eating.
Vaginal Atrophy
- The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) to the outside of the body.
- The walls of the vagina are lined with mucous membranes. The vagina is normally moist and its pH is acidic. This helps to protect it from infection.
- Vaginal atrophy is a condition that affects the vagina. The walls of the vagina thin and become less elastic. The amount of vaginal lubrication decreases. The vagina also becomes shorter and narrower.
- Vaginal atrophy can occur as a result of natural aging, menopause, or after surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy). It can also occur as a result of cancer treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- The symptoms of vaginal atrophy include dryness, burning, itching, and pain during sex. Vaginal atrophy can also cause urinary problems, such as urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Treatment for vaginal atrophy includes using vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, as well as hormone therapy.
