What is the study of how disease processes affect the function of the body called?

The study of how disease processes affect the function of the body is referred to as pathophysiology. This discipline combines aspects of pathology (the study of disease) with physiology (the study of normal biological function) to understand how diseases can disrupt the normal processes and mechanisms within the body. Pathophysiology focuses on the changes that occur at various levels, including cellular, organ, and systemic, as a result of disease. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing diseases, determining their progression, and developing appropriate treatment strategies.

In contrast, pathology primarily involves the examination of tissues and bodily fluids to identify diseases, while physiology concentrates on the normal functions of the body systems. Histology, another related field, is specifically concerned with the microscopic structure of tissues. These distinctions highlight why pathophysiology is the most suitable term for studying the impact of diseases on body functions.