PsychologyJuly 16, 2026
pathophysiology
/ˌpæθəʊˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi/
Definition
The functional changes and biological abnormalities associated with a specific disease or health condition.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'pathos' (suffering/disease), 'physis' (nature/growth), and 'logos' (study of). It emerged in the 19th century to describe the study of how disease alters normal physiological processes.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the underlying biological mechanisms, specifically muscarinic receptor dysfunction, that contribute to the development and symptoms of schizophrenia.
Brain imaging now reveals receptor dysfunction in living patients with schizophrenia
Read the full article ↗Medical Xpress