Introduction to Pathology

Defining Pathology and Related Concepts

Pathology is derived from the Greek words pathos (suffering) and logos (study), signifying the study of suffering. It is formally defined as the study of the structural, biochemical, and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs that underlie disease. Understanding pathology requires distinguishing it from related concepts:

Health: A dynamic state of complete physical, psychologic, spiritual, and social well-being.
Illness: A subjective feeling of not being well, which must be sensed and responded to by the person. A person can feel ill even without a demonstrable pathologic process.
Disease: A malfunction of a body organ or system that may or may not be perceived by a person, but must be confirmed by objective data.
Disability: A physical or mental incapacity that prevents a person from becoming a fully functional member of society due to loss of strength or cognitive competence.

Historical Context and Divisions of Pathology

In the 19th century, the understanding of disease shifted from the maldistribution of "humors" to a cellular perspective. Rudolf Virchow, known as the "father of modern pathology," coined the term cellular pathology, asserting that "All diseases originate at the cellular level."

Pathology is broadly divided into two main areas:

General Pathology: Focuses on the reactions of cells and tissues to abnormal stimuli and inherited defects.
Systemic Pathology: Examines alterations in specialized organs and organ systems exposed to disease processes.

The Four Aspects of a Disease Process (CORES of Pathology)

Understanding a disease involves analyzing four core aspects:

Etiology: The cause of the disease. This can be intrinsic (genetic, inherent/hereditary, hormonal, metabolic, endocrine) or acquired (infection, toxin, trauma, hypoxia, nutritional imbalances, immunologic, or genetic abnormalities). Many diseases are multifactorial, involving both intrinsic and acquired factors.
Pathogenesis: The mechanism by which the disease develops, detailing the sequence of events from the initial stimulus to the manifestation of the disease.
Molecular, Functional, and Morphologic Changes: These are the biochemical and structural alterations that occur in cells, tissues, and organs as a result of the disease process.
Clinical Manifestations: The observable symptoms and signs, the course of the disease, and its prognosis.

Importance in Physical Therapy

Physical therapists play a crucial role in addressing and lessening the adverse effects of disease on the functional mobility of humans across the life span. To effectively intervene, physical therapists must consider:

How a specific disease affects a person's functional abilities and outcomes.
How pathological information influences the plan of care or intervention.
Necessary precautions during exercise for individuals with specific conditions.
Whether vital signs should be monitored during therapy for a particular disease.

Introduction to Pathology: Core Concepts and Clinical Relevance

Introduction to Pathology: Core Concepts and Clinical Relevance