Dictionary

pathology 1 The study of disease. 2 Incorrectly (but commonly), disease. For example, “The physician found no pathology” would mean the physician found no evidence of disease.

pathologist A physician who identifies diseases and conditions by studying abnormal cells and tissues.

pathognomonic A sign or symptom that is so characteristic of a disease that it can be used to make a diagnosis. For example, Koplik spots in the mouth opposite the first and second upper molars are pathognomonic of measles.

pathogenic Capable of causing disease. For example, pathogenic E. coli are Eschericia coli bacteria that can make a person ill.

pathogenetic Pertaining to genetic cause of a disease or condition. For example, BRCA 1 and BRCA2 are genes that, when mutated, are responsible for many cases of cancer of the breast. Therefore, these genes are pathogenetic.

pathogenesis The development of a disease and the chain of events leading to that disease.

pathogen An agent of disease. For example, Bacillus anthracis is the pathogen that causes anthrax.

pathobiology The biology of disease.

patho- A prefix meaning suffering or disease, as in pathogen (a disease agent) and pathology (the study of disease).

patent ductus arteriosus See ductus arteriosus.

patent 1 A legal device that gives exclusive control and possession of a device, an invention, or a procedure to an individual or a corporation. Health-related items that may be patented include medical devices, surgical procedures, medications, and even cell lines. 2 Open, unobstructed, or affording free passage. For example, the bowel can be patent,…

patellofemoral syndrome A common cause of chronic knee pain, which characteristically results in vague discomfort of the inner knee area that is aggravated by activity. Abbreviated PFS. PFS is caused by an abnormality in the way the kneecap slides over the lower end of the femur. Normally, the quadricep muscle pulls the kneecap over the…