The word "pathology" refers to the study of diseases and their effects. Its spelling is derived from the Greek roots "pathos" meaning "suffering" and "logos" meaning "study." The correct pronunciation of "pathology" is pə-ˈthä-lə-jē, with the stress on the second syllable. The initial "p" is pronounced with a puff of air, representing the voiceless bilabial plosive sound. The "th" sound is represented by the voiced dental fricative, while the "l" is pronounced with the tongue raised towards the hard palate.
Pathology is a field of medicine that focuses on understanding the nature and causes of diseases, as well as how they present themselves and progress within the human body. It involves the study and analysis of various bodily tissues, organs, and fluids, with the goal of diagnosing diseases and determining their effects on the patient's overall health. Using various techniques and laboratory tests, pathologists aim to identify the underlying mechanisms and changes that occur in tissues and organs affected by disease, helping to inform the appropriate treatment.
The study of pathology encompasses the investigation of disease processes, including their origins, development, and manifestations. Pathologists are trained to examine specimens obtained through surgery, biopsies, or autopsies, scrutinizing them under a microscope and analyzing their composition and characteristics. This meticulous examination allows pathologists to identify abnormal cellular or tissue structures, abnormal growth patterns, or any other indicators that suggest the presence of disease or injury.
Pathology also plays a crucial role in determining the cause of death by investigating autopsy findings and analyzing relevant medical history. By thoroughly studying the physical changes, abnormalities, or lesions observed, pathologists can often determine the primary cause of death or contribute to understanding the series of events leading to it.
Overall, pathology serves as a fundamental discipline in modern healthcare, providing essential diagnostic information that aids in the development of treatment plans for individual patients and in the advancement of medical knowledge as a whole.
1. The branch of medical science which deals with disease in all its relations, especially with its nature and the functional and material changes caused by it. 2. The sum of the morbid changes in any disease.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That part of medicine which treats of the nature of diseases, and their causes and symptoms.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "pathology" traces its origins back to the ancient Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "pathos" (πάθος), meaning "suffering", and "logos" (λόγος), meaning "study" or "word". When combined, they form "pathologia" (παθολογία), which means "the study of suffering" or "the study of diseases". The term was first used in Greece around the 5th century BCE to describe the study of the nature of diseases, their causes, and their effects on the human body. Over time, the term "pathology" came to be used to refer to the scientific study and diagnosis of diseases in various fields, including medicine, veterinary science, and biology.