What is the study of structural changes associated with disease called?

The study of structural changes associated with disease is referred to as pathological anatomy. This discipline focuses on examining and understanding the alterations in the structural integrity of organs and tissues that occur due to disease processes. Pathological anatomy involves investigating how diseases affect the anatomy of various body systems, including the cellular and tissue levels, and helps inform diagnoses, treatments, and the understanding of disease progression.

Understanding these structural changes is essential for medical professionals, as they provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of diseases, enabling better-targeted therapies and management strategies. Pathological anatomy often complements clinical findings and helps form a comprehensive view of a patient’s health status.

Developmental biology typically examines the processes of organismal development from conception to adulthood, rather than the changes due to disease. Embryology focuses on the formation and early development of embryos, which is distinct from the study of diseases. Immunology is the study of the immune system and its responses, which is important for understanding disease but does not primarily focus on structural changes.