Which condition is characterized by progressive degeneration and weakening of the skeletal muscles?

Muscular dystrophy is characterized by progressive degeneration and weakening of the skeletal muscles due to the absence or mutation of genes necessary for muscle health. This condition leads to the replacement of muscle tissue with fibrous or fatty tissue, which compromises muscle function. Over time, individuals with muscular dystrophy experience increasing difficulty with physical activities, as muscle strength diminishes and mobility becomes impaired.

Myopathy generally refers to any disease of muscle tissue that can cause muscle weakness, but it is a broader term that encompasses various types of muscle disorders and does not specifically imply the progressive degeneration seen in muscular dystrophy. Neuropathy pertains to diseases affecting nerves, leading to weakness or sensation loss but not directly affecting muscle tissue itself. Fibrosis indicates the thickening and scarring of connective tissue, which may occur as a result of muscle degeneration but is not a standalone condition that describes the primary issue affecting muscle health. Therefore, the distinctive feature of progressive muscular degeneration is what defines muscular dystrophy as the correct choice in this context.