pathophysiológiája

Pathophysiology is the study of the disordered physiological processes that cause, result from, or are otherwise associated with a disease or injury. It is a branch of pathology that focuses on the functional changes occurring in the body due to a disease process. Understanding pathophysiology is crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases effectively. It bridges the gap between basic science and clinical medicine, explaining how a disease affects the body at a cellular, tissue, organ, and systemic level.

This field investigates the mechanisms of disease, including the causes (etiology), how the disease develops (pathogenesis), the structural alterations that occur (morphologic changes), and the functional consequences (clinical manifestations). By examining these aspects, pathophysiologists aim to identify the underlying biological abnormalities that lead to illness. This knowledge then informs the development of diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and preventative strategies. For example, understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, which involves insulin deficiency or resistance, has led to the development of insulin therapies and lifestyle recommendations to manage blood glucose levels. Similarly, research into the pathophysiology of cancer has yielded new targeted therapies and improved diagnostic imaging techniques.