BRANCHES OF PATHOLOGY & DEFINITIONS OF TERMS.

BRANCHES OF PATHOLOGY & DEFINITIONS OF TERMS. Dr. Mwale  There are two main branches of pathology: 1) General pathology: Focuses on the fundamental cellular and tissue responses to pathological stimuli. Eg inflammation, tumours or degenerations. 2) Systemic pathology: The descriptions of specific diseases as they affect individual organs or organ systems eg appendicitis, lung cancer and atheroma. Subdivisions of pathology  Gross pathology: aka macroscopic pathology, pathological anatomy, morbid anatomy. Refers to the study of disease in which tissues and organs are examined with the unaided eye.  Cellular pathology: aka microscopic pathology, histopathology, cytopathology. Refers to the study of diseased tissues and organs with the aid of a microscope.  Clinical pathology: Study of disease by examination of blood, urine, faeces, skin, scrapings etc.  Immunopathology: Study of diseases associated with abnormalities of the immune mechanisms of the body.  Forensic pathology: Study of causes and manner of death