Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases.
Related terms
Pharmacology: The study of drugs and their effects on the body - it's like understanding how each tool in your toolbox works.
Pathology: The study of disease causes, processes, development, and consequences - it's like knowing what problems each tool in your toolbox can fix.
Epidemiology: The study and analysis of the distribution patterns and determinants of health and disease conditions - it's like studying why certain tools are needed more frequently than others in different areas or populations.