Pathology is a science that studies the causes, mechanisms of development, structural and functional changes in organs, tissues and cells that occur during diseases or injuries. It is also a term that describes any deviation from the norm in the functioning of an organism or its parts. Pathology is the basis for understanding diseases and developing effective methods for their diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Pathological processes can be caused by various factors: infections, injuries, genetic mutations, metabolic disorders, exposure to toxic substances or external factors such as radiation. For example, inflammation, tumors, atrophy, or necrosis are pathological conditions studied in the field.
Pathology is divided into general (studies the general patterns of disease processes, for example, inflammation or tumors) and special (focuses on specific diseases or organ systems, such as pathology of the cardiovascular system or respiratory organs). The study of pathology is key to accurately diagnose diseases and determine the best treatment.