by Michelle Foland (Author)
Pathophysiology
Definition of Pathophysiology
The term "pathophysiology" comes from the Greek word "pathos," which means "suffering." "physis" means nature, origin; The study of abnormal changes in body functions that are the causes, consequences, or concomitants of disease processes is referred to as "logos," which means "the study of." Changes in the endocrine system, certain neurotransmitters, or inflammatory parameters related to the activity of the immune system are examples of biological processes that are directly related to disease processes of physical, mental, or psychophysiological conditions and disorders that are the focus of pathophysiology studies. As a result, the goal of pathophysiological research is to discover biological mechanisms and markers that can predict and explain disease processes in terms of etiology and pathogenesis. Pathophysiology is officially classified as a branch of physiology.