Word parts
What it means
The science of what goes wrong inside the body in a disease, and why that causes the signs and symptoms a person has. For example, the pathophysiology of heart failurehart FAYL-yerA long-term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.Full entry explains how a weak heart leads to fluid backing up into the lungs and legs. Knowing it helps nurses predict complications and understand why treatments work.
At a glance
| Spanish | fisiopatología |
|---|---|
| Also written | pathophysiologic, pathophysiological |
Related terms
-logy
A word ending that means the study of something.
anatomy
The study of the structure of the body and its parts.
physiologic
Relating to the normal working of the body.