How to Study Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology involves the functional and biochemical changes to normal physiologic systems as a result of a disease process. This subject relies on the basic concepts of pathology and expands on their effects in various organ systems. Try out these study strategies below to help you learn how to study pathophysiology.

Study Tip #1 - Visualize the processes.

Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease

Study Tip #2 - Brush up on pathology.

Many of the basic concepts of cell death, mutation, and tissue destruction that make up pathology are necessary building blocks in pathophysiology. Refresh your memory with some of the general disease processes and it will make it easier to expand into the more complicated regions of the body.

Study Tip #3 - Compare to the normal physiology.

Pathophysiology is the diseased and destructive process of normal systems. It is helpful to look back and evaluate the normal physiology to see where the malfunctioning is taking place and its effect on the organ system.

Study Tip #4 - Mesh the sciences.

Pathophysiology incorporates anatomy, histology, biochemistry, pysiology, and many other science studies. For each disease or unit you are studying, try and break it into segments and categorize each effect or mechanism as belonging to one of those science fields. It will help understand the disease process as a whole and make it easier to recall.

Study Tip #5 - Classify the diseases.

Many diseases in each organ system will have a set of characteristics that allow them to be grouped with similar processes. For example, some lung diseases can be classified as restrictive or obstructive. Making these distinctions will help to see the similarities and differences between diseases mechanisms.