Pathology
Definitions and Meaning in English
- The study of the causes and effects of diseases, particularly through the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies.
- A medical specialty that involves diagnosing diseases based on laboratory analysis and examining abnormal conditions of the body.
- The branch of medicine concerned with the study of disease processes.
History and Origin
The word “pathology” comes from the Greek pathos, meaning “suffering” or “disease,” and logos, meaning “study” or “discourse.” It was first used in the 17th century to describe the scientific study of diseases. Over time, it has expanded to encompass both the scientific field and the medical discipline focused on understanding the nature of diseases and their causes.
Detailed Explanation
Pathology is a central field in medicine that involves the study of disease processes. It helps in understanding how diseases develop, how they affect the body, and how they can be diagnosed and treated. Pathologists use a variety of diagnostic tools, including tissue samples, blood tests, and medical imaging, to detect abnormalities. It is crucial for diagnosing conditions such as cancer, infections, and autoimmune diseases, and it plays a vital role in medical research and treatment strategies.
Example Sentences
- The pathology report confirmed that the tumor was benign.
- Pathology studies can help determine the cause of death in an autopsy.
- Advances in pathology have significantly improved cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- She specialized in pathology and worked as a medical examiner.
- The pathology of this disease is not yet fully understood.
- The hospital’s pathology department is equipped with the latest diagnostic technology.
- Pathology tests revealed that the patient had an infection.
- The research team is studying the pathology of heart disease.
- Pathologists examine blood samples to detect abnormalities that could indicate disease.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Diagnostics – The process of identifying diseases, often related to pathology.
- Histopathology – The study of tissue samples to diagnose disease, a subfield of pathology.
- Pathophysiology – The study of the physical changes in the body caused by disease.
- Medical Science – The overall field of science related to the study and treatment of diseases.
- Forensic Medicine – The branch of medicine related to the application of pathology in legal matters, such as autopsies.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Diagnosis – The identification of a disease or condition, often done through pathology tests.
- Autopsy – The post-mortem examination of a body to determine the cause of death, which is a part of pathology.
- Biopsy – The examination of tissue removed from the body to diagnose disease, often involving pathology.
- Lab Results – The outcomes of various medical tests, often used in pathology to diagnose diseases.
- Immunology – The study of the immune system, often connected to pathology in understanding diseases.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Infection – The invasion of the body by harmful microorganisms, a common subject in pathology.
- Tumor – A growth or swelling, often studied in pathology to determine whether it is cancerous.
- Inflammation – The body’s response to injury or infection, frequently examined in pathology.
- Malignancy – The presence of cancerous cells, often identified through pathology.
- Chronic Disease – Long-term illnesses that pathology helps to diagnose and monitor.
Antonyms
- Health
- Wellness
- Normality
- Fitness
- Vitality