PATHOLOGY

Pathology (from the Ancient Greek roots of pathos, meaning "experience" or "suffering", and -logia "an account of") is a significant component of the causal study of disease and a major field in modernmedicine and diagnosis.

As a field of general inquiry and research, pathology addresses four components of disease:

1. cause/etiology

2. mechanisms of development (pathogenesis)

3. structural alterations of cells (morphologic changes)

4. consequences of changes (clinical manifestations)

In common medical practice, general pathology is mostly concerned with analyzing known clinical abnormalities that are markers or precursors for both infectious andnon-infectious disease and is conducted by experts in one of two major specialties, anatomical pathology and clinical pathology.

Coagulative necrosis

The injury denatures structural proteins and lysosomal enzymes thus blocking the proteolysis of the damaged cells. The lack of lysosomal enzymes allows it to maintain a "coagulated" morphology for some time.

Kidney- coagulative necrosis

In coagulative necrosis the architecture of dead tissue is preserved for at least a couple of days.

Pulmonary tuberculosis

Giant cells formed from epitheloidal macrophages are seen in lung tuberculosis.

Coagulative necrosis

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Reflection:

Pathology is one the most interesting core subjects I had in semester one. I enjoyed classes given by Dr Farzana as she always makes it fun and lively during her lectures. She will make sure that her slides are filled with colourful pictures and also motivational quotes to motivate us to do better in our studies.

Pathology class helps me to look at the medical world in a different way. This is because all the other subjects ony focuses on how the "normal" body would look like, how the "normal" and "healthy" cells would be presented in the medical world. However it is not the case when it comes to pathology. I was taught to appreciate the "abnormal" and "disfigured" cells and structures of the body, which can sometimes be not very pleasant. But I am grateful that I have overcomed that initial feeling of disgust and learnt to love this subject.

I also find that learning pathology keeps me "alive" in semester one, as it is never dry or boring. I enjoy looking through the pictures in the textbooks and notes, this really stimulates my interest in learning and keeps me awake too. Personally, I am sure that I have grown a little mature in my thinking, and most importantly learn to embrace the not-so-perfect side of the medical field.