What do we call disorders that involve the deterioration of tissues or organs, leading to diminished vitality?

The term that describes disorders characterized by the deterioration of tissues or organs, resulting in diminished vitality, is "degenerative." Degenerative conditions typically involve a gradual decline in function and structure of a particular tissue or organ, often due to aging or chronic stressors. Such disorders can significantly impact a person's overall health and quality of life as they involve the progressive loss of bodily functions.

In contrast, autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, which is not primarily associated with the gradual deterioration of function as seen in degenerative diseases. Infectious disorders are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to illness but not necessarily through the deterioration of tissues over time. Acute disorders are characterized by a sudden onset of symptoms and are typically short-term, rather than involving the long-term decline associated with degenerative disorders. Thus, "degenerative" is the most accurate term for the described conditions.