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The core of the science of pathology is the study the pathogenesis of the disease. Pathogenesis is the sequence events in the response of the cells or tissues to the etiologic agent, from the initial stimulus to the ultimate expression of the disease,” from the time it is initiated to its final conclusion in recovery or death” Some diseases like diabetes and hypertension are multifactorial diseases involving: Exciting Causes of Disease: Factors which are directly responsible for a disease (hypoxia, chemical agents…. Predisposing Causes of Disease: Factors which make an individual more susceptible to a disease (damp weather, poor ventilation, etc.)Ĭ. An etiologic agent is the factor (bacterium, virus, etc.) responsible for lesions or a disease state.ī. To understand the cause of disease, we need to be familiar with:Ī. Knowledge of etiology remains the backbone of disease diagnosis, understanding the nature of diseases and treatment of diseases. EtiologyĮtiology is the “study of the cause of a disease”. Functional Consequences: Functional results of the morphologic changes, as observed clinically. Morphology: The structural alterations induced in cell and tissues.Ĥ. Pathogenesis: Mechanisms of development of disease.ģ. Pathology focuses on 4 aspects of disease:Ģ. Regarding a disease process, we must be familiar with: Inflammatory – Trauma, infections, immune, etc.Į. It may be defined as an abnormal alteration of structure or function in any part of the body. This brings us to the question what exactly is disease?ĭisease is the “state in which an individual exhibits an anatomical, physiological, or biochemical deviation from the normal”.
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It is the study of what is abnormal or wrong or disease…! Pathology serves as a “bridge” or “link” between the preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, etc.) and the courses in clinical medicine. Without pathology, the practice of medicine would be reduced to myths and folklore”. It is the “scientific study of the molecular, cellular, tissue, or organ system response to injurious agents.” It “is the foundation of medical science and practice. Pathology is the “scientific study of disease”.
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