Introduction to Pathology Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering the basic definitions, aspects of disease, and diagnostic techniques within the field of pathology.

Disease

An abnormal variation in structure or function of any part of the body

Pathology

A scientific study of disease, derived from 'Patho' (disease) and 'logy' (study)

Etiology

The cause of the disease

Primary etiology

A classification used when the cause of a disease is known

Idiopathic / Cryptogenic

Terms used if the cause of a disease is unknown

Congenital etiology

A condition existing at birth or before birth

Acquired etiology

Etiologic factors such as infectious, inflammatory, chemical, or physical factors developed after birth

Pathogenesis

The mechanism through which the cause produces the clinical signs and symptoms

Morphologic changes

The structural changes in cells or tissues due to disease

Gross / Macroscopic findings

Structural changes in the organ that can be seen with the naked eye

Microscopic / Histologic findings

Structural changes in the organ that can only be seen under the microscope

Symptoms

Something experienced and reported by the patient, such as a headache or stomach pain

Signs

Findings discovered by the physician during examination of the patient, such as liver or spleen enlargement

Clinical features

The combination of signs and symptoms

Histopathology

The examination and study of tissues under the microscope, often obtained by biopsies and excision

Cytopathology

The study of cells from various body sites to determine the cause of disease

Hematological examination

A diagnostic technique used to study diseases of blood cells

Microbiological tests

A method by which body fluids or tissue are examined to identify microorganisms responsible for diseases

Biochemical tests

Tests that measure disturbances in substances such as protein, sugar, and oxygen in blood and urine to diagnose diseases

Clinical genetics (cytogenetics)

The study of chromosomal abnormalities

Molecular techniques

Techniques used to detect genetic diseases

Autopsy (Forensic Pathology)

The examination of the dead body to identify the cause of death