**Core Concept**
In starvation death, the body undergoes a series of physiological changes to conserve energy. This includes the breakdown of fat and muscle tissue, leading to atrophy of various organs and tissues. The liver, muscles, and kidneys are particularly affected due to their high metabolic demands.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Atrophy in starvation death is a result of the body's adaptation to conserve energy. The liver undergoes atrophy due to the breakdown of glycogen stores and the reduction in gluconeogenesis. Muscles undergo atrophy due to the breakdown of proteins and the loss of muscle mass. The kidneys also undergo atrophy due to the reduction in blood flow and the loss of renal mass.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** The heart undergoes atrophy in starvation death due to the reduction in cardiac output and the loss of cardiac mass.
* **Option B:** The brain undergoes atrophy in starvation death due to the reduction in glucose availability and the loss of neural mass.
* **Option C:** The pancreas undergoes atrophy in starvation death due to the reduction in insulin and glucagon secretion and the loss of pancreatic mass.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Starvation death can be distinguished from other causes of death by the presence of a "marble-like" appearance of the liver due to the accumulation of fat droplets.
**Correct Answer:** D
Free Medical MCQs Β· NEET PG Β· USMLE Β· AIIMS
Access thousands of free MCQs, ebooks and daily exams.
By signing in you agree to our Privacy Policy.