We Observe a Loss of Muscle Tissue, with Accompanying Loss

question 11

Essay

We observe a loss of muscle tissue, with accompanying loss of strength, over the years of adulthood. What explanations of this phenomenon have been offered? What kind of evidence exists for and against each explanation? What conclusion do you come to?

---

Definitions:

Dorsal Root Ganglion

A cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies located within the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.

Corticobasal Degeneration

A rare, progressive neurological disorder characterized by neuronal degeneration and symptoms such as movement disorders and cognitive dysfunction.

Vascular Dementia

A decline in thinking skills caused by conditions that block or reduce blood flow to various regions of the brain, impairing cognitive functions.

Parkinson Disease

A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain, causing symptoms like tremors and movement difficulties.