CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO PATHOPHYSIOLOGY.
BY:
Dr. Uche Amaefuna-Obasi (MD).
There are more to
lectures than slides  

 What is pathophysiology?
 Pathophysiology may be defined as the
physiology of disease, of disordered function, or
derangement of function seen in disease that is
produced by the action of an etiologic agents on
susceptible tissues or organs.
PATHOLOGY
 Pathos (suffering) + logos (study)
 General and Systemic
 Pathophysiology includes also the study of the
mechanisms underlying disease.
 Why do we study pathophysiology？
 Pathophysiology is the bridge subject between
Basic sciences and Clinical Medicine.
 Main teaching content and Syllabus
 Content
 Conspectus of disease: The general concept of
diseases and general etiology and pathogenesis
of diseases.
 Fundamental pathological process: Common
changes of function, metabolism and structure
occurred in the different diseases.
 Systemic pathophysiology: Heart failure,
respiratory failure, hepatic failure, renal failure.
 Objectives:
After studying this chapter, the student is expected to
 1. Explain the role of pathophysiology in the diagnosis
and treatment of disease.
 2. Use appropriate terminology.
3. Explain the importance of a patients medical history.
 4. Describe common cellular adaptations and possible
reasons for the occurrence of each.
 • 5. Identify precancerous cellular changes.

 6. List the common causes of cell damage.
 7. Describe the common types of cell necrosis and possible
outcomes.
 Some key words to note…..
 Pathogenesis: the pattern of tissue changes associated
with the development of disease.
 Etiology: the study of the cause of disease.
 Idiopathic: diseases that have no identifiable cause.
 Cytology: Exfoliative, FNAC (Fine needle aspiration
cytology)
 Haematology: study of blood
 Iatrogenic: diseases that occur as a result of medical
treatment.
 Nosocromial: diseases that are acquired as a consequence
of being in a hospital environment.
 Autopsy: “see for yourself”
 Biopsy: removal of tissue sample from body for
examination