Final answer:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the degenerative, fatal disease of the motor neurons that causes progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. It results in muscle atrophy followed by paralysis and eventual death.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degenerative, fatal disease of the motor neurons in which patients exhibit progressive muscle weakness and atrophy is Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressing disease that attacks the neurons that control voluntary muscles. It results in muscle atrophy followed by paralysis and eventual death of patients. Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest scientists in modern times, suffers from ALS.