Sarcopenia is an age-related，progressive syndrome，which is characterized by decline of skeletal muscle mass，strength and muscle function. It has high morbidity and complex pathogenesis. Then it leads to the loss of life ability and the decline in life quality of the aged. It is significant to diagnose，prevent and treat sarcopenia early in clinic and practice. In this review，etiology and pathological mechanism of sarcopenia，present treatment and models of the disease are summarized systematically，which could provide a reference for exploring its machenism deeply and screening drugs of the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia.