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Pathology

Glossary of Terms

autopsy - examination of a body after death. Autopsies are performed to determine cause of death, or to verify a diagnosis.

biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope.

cellular pathology - the study of cellular alterations in disease (also called cytopathology).

comparative pathology - the study of disease in animals and how it compares in humans.

cytology - the study of individual cells.

dermatopathology - the study of the skin in diagnosing skin diseases.

hematopathology - the study of blood, bone marrow and the organs and tissues that use blood cells to perform their functions.

immunology - the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders.

neuropathology - the study of the nervous system.

pathology - the study of diseases.

serology - the study of blood serum (the clear fluid that separates when blood clots).

serum - a clear fluid that separates when blood clots.

sputum - mucous from the lungs, also called phlegm.

venipuncture - drawing blood with a needle from a vein inside the elbow.

whole blood - blood containing all its components, such as red and white blood cells, platelets and more.


This page was last updated on: May 31, 2006.