The term "cellular pathology" refers to the study of changes that occur at the cellular level in living organisms. In terms of spelling, the word "cellular" is pronounced as /sɛljʊlər/ (sel-yuh-luhr), with the stress on the second syllable. Meanwhile, "pathology" is pronounced as /pəˈθɑlədʒi/ (puh-thol-uh-jee), with the stress on the first syllable. The spelling of these words reflects their origins in Latin and Greek, where "cellula" means "small room" and "pathos" refers to "suffering" or "disease."
Cellular pathology, also known as histopathology or anatomical pathology, refers to the branch of pathology that analyzes and studies diseases at a cellular level. It involves the examination and analysis of tissues, organs, and cells to diagnose and understand the cause, nature, and progression of diseases.
In cellular pathology, pathologists examine tissue samples obtained from biopsies, surgical resections, autopsies, or cytology specimens using a microscope. They analyze the structure and composition of cells, as well as the presence or absence of abnormalities, to identify and classify diseases. These abnormalities may include changes in cell size, shape, organization, and function.
The information gathered through cellular pathology helps pathologists to make accurate diagnoses, understand the nature and behavior of diseases, and guide treatment decisions. It aids in differentiating between benign and malignant conditions, identifying inflammatory or infectious processes, and monitoring disease progression or response to therapy.
Cellular pathology also plays a crucial role in research and biomedical studies. It enables scientists to investigate the mechanisms and underlying causes of diseases, study disease trends and patterns, and develop new treatments or identify potential targets for therapy.
Overall, cellular pathology is a vital discipline within pathology that focuses on the microscopic examination and interpretation of cellular features in order to diagnose and uncover the mechanisms of diseases.
The view of p. which regards the alterations in the cells as the essential factor in disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cellular" in the term "cellular pathology" refers to cells, which are the basic units of life. "Pathology" derives from the Greek word "pathos", meaning "suffering" or "disease". Therefore, the term "cellular pathology" combines "cellular" with "pathology" to describe the study of diseases or abnormalities at the cellular level. It involves analyzing cells and their structures to understand the cause, nature, development, and effects of various diseases.