Introduction to Pathology

Study Notes

Pathology is the study of the nature of diseases, including their causes, mechanisms, and consequences.
It involves the examination of organs, tissues, and cells to understand disease processes and develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Anatomical Pathology: Focuses on the examination of tissues and organs to diagnose diseases.
Clinical Pathology: Concerned with the analysis of bodily fluids, such as blood and urine, to diagnose and monitor diseases.
Molecular Pathology: Examines the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, including genetic and epigenetic changes.
Forensic Pathology: Applies pathological principles to investigate deaths and determine cause and manner of death.

Acute Pathology: Involves sudden and severe changes in tissue or organ function, often requiring immediate medical attention.
Chronic Pathology: Characterized by gradual and persistent changes in tissue or organ function, often resulting in long-term health consequences.

Inflammation: A response to tissue injury or infection, characterized by increased blood flow, swelling, and pain.
Infection: The invasion of tissues by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Neoplasia: The abnormal growth and proliferation of cells, potentially leading to cancer.
Degeneration: The deterioration of tissues or organs, often resulting in functional impairment.

Gross Examination: Visual inspection of organs and tissues to identify macroscopic changes.
Microscopy: Examination of tissues and cells using light or electron microscopy to identify microscopic changes.
Immunohistochemistry: Uses antibodies to detect specific proteins or antigens in tissues.
Molecular Diagnostics: Employs genetic and molecular techniques, such as PCR and DNA sequencing, to diagnose diseases.

Pathology is the study of diseases, including causes, mechanisms, and consequences, through examination of organs, tissues, and cells to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Anatomical Pathology: Diagnoses diseases by examining tissues and organs.
Clinical Pathology: Diagnoses and monitors diseases by analyzing bodily fluids like blood and urine.
Molecular Pathology: Examines molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, including genetic and epigenetic changes.
Forensic Pathology: Investigates deaths to determine cause and manner of death using pathological principles.

Acute Pathology: Involves sudden and severe changes in tissue or organ function, requiring immediate medical attention.
Chronic Pathology: Characterized by gradual and persistent changes in tissue or organ function, leading to long-term health consequences.

Inflammation: Response to tissue injury or infection, characterized by increased blood flow, swelling, and pain.
Infection: Invasion of tissues by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Neoplasia: Abnormal growth and proliferation of cells, potentially leading to cancer.
Degeneration: Deterioration of tissues or organs, resulting in functional impairment.

Gross Examination: Visual inspection of organs and tissues to identify macroscopic changes.
Microscopy: Examination of tissues and cells using light or electron microscopy to identify microscopic changes.
Immunohistochemistry: Detects specific proteins or antigens in tissues using antibodies.
Molecular Diagnostics: Employs genetic and molecular techniques like PCR and DNA sequencing to diagnose diseases.