Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

Wasting or decrease in size of a muscle because of inactivity is called what?

1. Hypertrophy

2. Atrophy

3. Fatigue

4. Contraction

The correct answer is: Atrophy

The term that describes the wasting or decrease in size of a muscle due to inactivity is atrophy. This physiological phenomenon occurs when muscle fibers shrink in size because they are not being used or challenged regularly. Atrophy can result from a variety of factors, including prolonged bed rest, disuse of a limb, or certain medical conditions that limit movement. Hypertrophy, in contrast, refers to the increase in muscle size that occurs when muscles are engaged in regular physical activity, such as weightlifting. Fatigue describes a temporary state of tiredness that affects physical performance, but it does not imply any change in muscle size. Contraction refers to the process of muscle fibers shortening to produce movement, which is the opposite of the wasting or decrease in size that occurs in atrophy. Therefore, atrophy accurately captures the concept of muscle wasting due to inactivity.