Understanding atrophy is crucial for clinical practice as it can serve as a diagnostic indicator for various diseases. For example, muscle atrophy might indicate underlying neurological disorders, while atrophy of the brain could be a sign of neurodegenerative diseases. Histological examination of atrophic tissues can provide insights into the underlying causes and help guide treatment strategies. In some cases, atrophy can be reversible if the underlying cause is addressed, such as through physical therapy for disuse atrophy or nutritional supplementation for atrophy due to malnutrition.
