Pathology is the study of diseases, particularly their causes, development, and effects on the body. It involves examining tissues, cells, and bodily fluids to understand how and why diseases occur, which helps in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Pathologists play a key role in healthcare by providing essential information about diseases that guides treatment decisions.
The term "pathology" comes from the Greek words "pathos," meaning suffering or disease, and "logos," meaning study or discourse. Thus, it literally translates to the "study of suffering or disease."