Introduction to Pathology And
its rule in the diagnostic
process
Dr. Atif Ali Bashir, MD Pathology
Assistant Professor
College of Medicine
Majma’ah University
Definition of pathology
It is the “Scientific
study of disease"
.
"scientific study of the molecular, cellular,
tissue,
or
organ
system
response
to
injurious agents."
Pathology serves as a "bridge" or "link" between the
preclinical sciences (anatomy, physiology, ……etc.) and
the courses in clinical medicine.
What is Pathology?
Greek Pathos = suffering, fate, harm;
logos/logia = study or discourse
 Pathology = “The study of suffering.”
 Involves

 study
of disease processes and
 the structural and functional changes in
organs and tissues that cause or are caused
by disease.

Explains:
 The
“whys” and “hows” of signs and
symptoms manifested by patient.
3
What is the Disease?

It is the “State in which an individual
exhibits an anatomical, physiological, or
biochemical deviation from the normal”

Disease (dis + ease= not at ease).
•Disease may be defined as :
an abnormal alteration of structure or function in any part of the body.
Classification of Diseases:

Developmental – genetic, congenital.

Acquired:
*Inflammatory – Trauma, infections, immune,
etc.
*Neoplastic – tumors cancers
*Degenerative – ageing.
*Metabolic.
*Iatrogenic: Drug induced.
Basic Language of Pathology
In order for a subject or course to
be meaningful, one should become
familiar with the basic terminology
applicable to that subject.
Branches of Pathology
General Pathology
 Systemic Pathology
 Gross Pathology
 Cellular Pathology
 Surgical Pathology
 Clinical Pathology
 Immunopathology

Learning Pathology:

General Pathology

Common changes in all tissues. e.g.. Inflammation,
cancer, ageing, edema, hemorrhage ….etc.

Systemic Pathology

Discussing the pathologic mechanisms in relation to
various organ systems e.g. CVS, CNS, GIT…..etc.
What should we Know About A Disease
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Definition.
Epidemiology – Where & When.
Etiology – What is the cause?
Pathogenesis - Evolution of dis.
Morphology - Structural Changes
Functional consequences
Management
Prognosis
Prevention
Pathology focuses on 4 aspects of disease:

ETIOLOGY: Cause of disease.

PATHOGENESIS:
Mechanisms of development of disease.

MORPHOLOGY:
The structural alterations induced in cell and tissues.

FUNCTIONAL CONSEQUENCES:
Functional results of the morphologic changes, as
observed clinically.
Etiology
“Study of the cause of a disease"
Knowledge of etiology remains the backbone of:

Disease diagnosis

Understanding the nature of diseases

Treatment of diseases.
Etiology
“Study of the cause of a disease"

An etiologic agent :
is the factor (bacterium, virus, etc.) responsible for lesions or a disease
state.

Predisposing Causes of Disease:
Factors which make an individual more susceptible to a disease (damp
weather, poor ventilation, etc.)

Exciting Causes of Disease:
Factors which are directly responsible for a disease (hypoxia, chemical
agents…. etc.).
Etiology
Disease Disease
Disease
Disease
One
etiologic agent
one disease, as
Malaria.
• Several etiologic
agents
one
disease, as diabetes .
Disease
• One etiologic
agent
several diseases,
as smoking.
Etiology:
What is the cause?

Environmental agents:
Physical
• Chemical
• Nutritional
• Infections
• Immunological
• Psychological
•

Genetic Factors:
•
•
Age
Genes
Multifactorial:
As Diabetes,
Hypertension
Cancer
pathogenesis
The sequence events in the response of the cells or
tissues to the etiologic agent, from the initial
stimulus
to
the
ultimate
expression
of
the
disease,”from the time it is initiated to its final
conclusion in recovery or death”
The core of the science of pathology —
the study the
pathogenesis of the disease.
Morphology: Structural Changes
Structural
disease.
changes in
Tumor
in a cancer.
Ulcer in an infection.
Atrophy in dementia.
Gross
& Microscopic.
Clinical Symptoms & Signs
Clinical
symptoms
are
the
patient’s
complain usually by its own words.

Clinical
signs
are
seen
only
in
the
living
individual.

“Functional evidence of disease which can be
determined objectively or by the observer" (fever,
tenderness, increased respiratory rate, etc.)”
Necropsy: Gross examination of the
animal cadaver by systematic dissection in
order to evaluate any abnormal changes
(lesions) that may be present.
 Autopsy: Synonymous to necropsy in
human medicine
 Biopsy: Removal and examination of
tissue obtained from the living body
 Euthanasia: Intentional putting to
death of an individual with an incurable
or painful disease by employing humane
means

prognosis

Expected outcome of the disease, It is the
clinician's estimate of the severity and possible
result of a disease.
I hear, I forget
I see, I remember
I do, I understand
Chinese Proverb..