Atróficas

Atróficas is the feminine plural form of the adjective atrófica (and related forms atrófico/atrófica in Spanish and Portuguese), used to describe tissues, organs, or cells that have undergone atrophy. The term is common in medical, histological, and anatomical contexts and indicates that the structure has reduced in size or function relative to its normal state. It is typically applied to feminine nouns, such as mucosas atróficas, glándulas atróficas, o células atróficas.

In medical terminology, atrophy refers to a decrease in the size of a tissue or organ due to a reduction in cell size, and sometimes in cell number, accompanied by diminished function. Mechanisms vary and can include aging, disuse, ischemia, malnutrition, hormonal changes, or chronic disease. Histologically, atróficas tissues may show a smaller cell volume, reduced cytoplasm and organelles, and, in some cases, thinning of the tissue and changes in vascularization. Autophagic processes and altered metabolism may also be observed as part of the atrophic changes.

Common contexts in which the term is used include atrophic gastritis (gastritis atrófica) and other mucosal or glandular atrophic conditions, as well as age-related or disuse atrophy in muscles and other organs. While atrophy is often a reversible process in early stages or with therapy, advanced atrophic changes can reflect chronic or irreversible decline in tissue integrity and function.