Introduction to essential concepts of pathophysiology

In this part we guide you through the fundamental concepts that lay the foundations for your studies in pathophysiology. Principles relating to pathophysiology include the disease process, how it manifests within the patient and treatment options. Essential concepts of related disciplines such as anatomy and physiology are included as a basis for understanding pathophysiology. Homeostasis is a fundamental principle for the body, and the chapter dedicated to homeostasis will enable you to contextualise its relationship to health and disease. Cells are the smallest functional components of the human body and they interact with other body constituents such as fluids, nutrients and wastes. Altered cellular function includes processes common to many disorders, and these concepts are drawn on throughout the book as we discuss pathophysiology. Finally in this part we overview how genes provide the code for the body to overlay the coordination of complex body processes.