Wasting away of muscle is referred to as what?

The term that describes the wasting away of muscle is atrophy. Atrophy occurs when muscle fibers decrease in size and number, often as a result of a lack of physical activity, malnutrition, or certain medical conditions. It signifies a reduction in muscle mass and strength, which can significantly impact an individual's physical capabilities and overall health.

Hypertrophy, in contrast, refers to the increase in muscle size typically resulting from exercise and strength training. Myopathy is a general term for muscle disease, which encompasses various disorders affecting muscle function but does not specifically describe muscle wasting. Desaturation is not related to muscle tissue; it generally refers to a decrease in the concentration of a substance or the saturation of oxygen in the blood.