Neurogenic Atrophy
Muscle wasting resulting from denervation, characterized by specific histological patterns including grouped fiber atrophy and fiber type grouping.
Full Definition
Neurogenic atrophy is a pattern of muscle wasting that occurs when muscle fibers lose their nerve supply due to damage to motor neurons, nerve roots, or peripheral nerves. Unlike myogenic atrophy, neurogenic atrophy shows characteristic histological features including angular atrophic fibers, grouped fiber atrophy affecting entire motor units, and loss of the normal random distribution of fiber types (fiber type grouping). Initially, affected fibers maintain their angular shape before becoming rounded in chronic cases. This pattern helps differentiate neurogenic from myogenic causes of muscle weakness and guides appropriate diagnostic workup.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The biopsy demonstrated severe neurogenic atrophy with grouped angular fibers." — Muscle biopsy report
- "Neurogenic atrophy was confirmed by the presence of fiber type grouping." — Pathology interpretation