Definition

The study of how diseases or injuries affect the normal functions of the body.

Example

Doctors use pathophysiology to understand how illnesses impact the body's systems.

Conversation

I just started studying pathophysiology in my health class.

That sounds interesting! What have you learned so far?

We discussed how diseases affect the body's normal functions and their pathophysiology.

Wow, that must give you a deeper understanding of how treatments work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pathophysiology is formed from "patho-" (from Greek "pathos", meaning suffering or disease) and "physiology" (from Greek "physiologia", meaning the study of nature or natural processes). The term refers to the study of the disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury.

Memory Tip

Think of 'suffering' ('patho-') and the 'study of nature' ('physiology') to remember that pathophysiology is about understanding how diseases affect natural bodily functions.

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