Which term refers to a progressive weakening of a body part, such as a muscle?

The term that refers to a progressive weakening of a body part, such as a muscle, is dystrophy. This word is often used in a medical context to describe a variety of conditions where tissues, particularly muscles, undergo degeneration or abnormal development, leading to a progressive decline in strength and function. For instance, muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by muscle wasting and weakness over time.

Dysphagia relates to difficulty in swallowing, while dyspepsia refers to indigestion or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Dyspnea is associated with difficulty in breathing. Each of these terms applies to different health issues and does not describe the specific condition of progressive weakness in body parts like muscles, which is the defining aspect of dystrophy.