A 29-year-old man sustains a left femoral fracture in a motorcycle accident. His leg is placed in a plaster cast. After his left leg has been immobilized for 6 weeks, the diameter of the left calf has decreased in size. This change in size is most likely to result from which of the following alterations in his calf muscles?

## **Core Concept**
The question tests the understanding of physiological changes in muscles in response to immobilization. Prolonged immobilization leads to muscle atrophy, which is a reduction in muscle mass and size. This occurs due to a decrease in protein synthesis and an increase in protein degradation within the muscle cells.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **D. Atrophy**, is the most likely alteration in the calf muscles after immobilization for 6 weeks. Atrophy results from disuse or denervation of muscles, leading to a decrease in muscle fiber size and number, which in turn reduces the muscle's cross-sectional area and circumference. This matches the clinical presentation of a decrease in calf diameter after immobilization.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Hypertrophy refers to an increase in muscle mass and size, typically resulting from increased workload or resistance training. This is the opposite of what occurs with immobilization.
- **Option B:** Hyperplasia refers to an increase in the number of muscle fibers, which is not a typical response to immobilization and is generally not considered a significant factor in adult muscle adaptation.
- **Option C:** Metaplasia refers to the replacement of one type of cell with another type, which is not relevant to the changes occurring in muscle tissue due to immobilization.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that muscle atrophy can occur rapidly, within days to weeks of immobilization, and is a significant concern in patients with prolonged bed rest or limb immobilization. Early mobilization and physical therapy are crucial in preventing or minimizing atrophy.

## **Correct Answer:** D. Atrophy

✓ Correct Answer: B. Atrophy