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== Atrophic (ə-ˈtrō-fik) ==

'''Atrophic''' refers to a condition characterized by the wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue in the body due to cell degeneration. The term is often used in medical contexts to describe conditions such as [[Atrophic gastritis]], [[Atrophic rhinitis]], and [[Atrophic vaginitis]].

=== Etymology ===

The term "Atrophic" is derived from the Greek word "atrophos" which means "not fed". It is a combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "not" and "trophe" meaning "nourishment".

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Atrophy]]: The process of atrophy involves the wasting away or decrease in size of an organ or tissue in the body. It is often a result of malnutrition, inactivity, or aging.

* [[Hypertrophy]]: This is the opposite of atrophy. Hypertrophy refers to the increase in the size of an organ or tissue due to the enlargement of its component cells.

* [[Atrophic gastritis]]: A form of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa leading to loss of gastric glandular cells and their eventual replacement by intestinal and fibrous tissues.

* [[Atrophic rhinitis]]: A chronic nasal condition characterized by atrophy of nasal mucosa, including the glands, turbinate bones and the nerve elements supplying the nose.

* [[Atrophic vaginitis]]: A form of vaginitis that results from the thinning and shrinking of the tissues of the vagina, as well as decreased lubrication, caused by a depletion of estrogen.

* [[Atrophic arthritis]]: Also known as rheumatoid arthritis, it is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

[[Category:Medical Dictionary]]
[[Category:Medical Terminology]]
[[Category:Pathology]]

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