Pathophysiology (consisting of the Greek origin words ?pathos? = suffering; ?physis? = nature, origin; and ?logos? = ?the study of?) refers to the study of abnormal changes in body functions that are the causes, consequences, or concomitants of disease processes. Studies of pathophysiology are concerned with the investigation of biological processes that are directly related to disease processes of physical, mental, or psychophysiological conditions and disorders (e.g., alterations in the endocrine system, in certain neurotransmitters, or inflammatory parameters related to the activity of the immune system). Thus, pathophysiological research aims at identifying biological markers and mechanisms for predicting and explaining disease processes in terms of etiology and pathogenesis. Pathophysiology is formally considered as a subdiscipline within physiology.This three credits course is designed for pharm.D, pharmacy, paramedical and nursing students. It focuses on the characteristics and manifestations of diseases caused by alteration to function of the body. It includes basic mechanisms of diseases and selected common disorders of the following
Systems: endocrine, hematology, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive and nervous system. Pathophysiology explains the functional and biochemical changes that are associated with or a result of disease or injury. In other words, disease pathophysiology encompasses understanding the body?s molecular, cellular, and systemic responses involved in the development and progression of a disease.