Dictionary

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

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.

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

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.

pathophysiology Deranged function in an individual or an organ due to a disease. For example, a pathophysiologic alteration is a change in function as distinguished from a structural defect.

-pathy Suffix indicating suffering or disease, as in neuropathy (disease of the nervous system).

parenteral nutrition Intravenous feeding. Also known as parenteral alimentation.

paresis Incomplete paralysis or slight paralysis.

paresthesia An abnormal sensation of the body, such as numbness, tingling, or burning.

parietal bone The bone on the side of the upper skull.

parietal lobes A pair of lobes in the cerebral hemisphere of the brain that are involved in sensation, perception, memory, and integrating sensory input, primarily visual input.

parietal pericardium The outer layer of the pericardium. See also pericardium.