NR 283 PATHO FINAL 3 CHAPTER 1 Common cellular adaptations Atrophy refers to a decrease in the size of cells, resulting in a reduced tissue mass. Common causes include reduced use of the tissue, insufficient nutrition, decreased neurologic or hormonal stimulation, and aging. An example is the shrinkage of skeletal muscle that occurs when a limb is immobilized in a cast for several weeks. • Hypertrophy refers to an increase in the size of individual cells, resulting in an enlarged tissue mass. ...