Muscular dystrophy results in what outcome for muscle cells?

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscles, which are responsible for movement. The underlying issue in muscular dystrophy is that the muscle cells cannot properly function or regenerate due to mutations in the genes that are critical for muscle fiber integrity.

As a result, muscle cells begin to degenerate and atrophy, leading to a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. This degeneration occurs because the damaged muscle fibers are unable to repair themselves effectively. Over time, this can lead to significant muscle weakness and decreased functionality. This outcome is a key characteristic of various types of muscular dystrophy, making it the correct answer.

Increased muscle mass, muscle strength improvements, and stiffness in muscle fibers do not align with the pathological changes observed in muscular dystrophy, as the condition is primarily associated with muscle degeneration and atrophy.