Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

When atrophy occurs, what happens to the muscle?

1. The muscle slowly becomes stronger

2. The muscle increases in size

3. The muscle remains the same size

4. The muscle decreases in size

The correct answer is: The muscle decreases in size

Atrophy describes the process where muscle fibers decrease in size and strength due to a variety of factors, such as disuse, aging, or certain medical conditions. When muscle tissue is not actively used or is subjected to a lower level of stress than it's accustomed to, the body begins to break down the muscle proteins, leading to a reduction in muscle mass. This can result in weaker muscles and a decrease in physical function. Consequently, option D accurately reflects that when atrophy occurs, the muscle decreases in size, which is the main consequence of this physiological process.