What is the Origin of Functional Pathology?

The term is foundational to the practice of Functional Medicine, distinguishing it from conventional pathology, which traditionally focuses on structural and morphological changes in tissues. "Functional" emphasizes the processes and systems, while "Pathology" stems from the Greek pathos (suffering, disease) and logia (study of).

What is the Mechanism of Functional Pathology?

The core mechanism of dysfunction is often traced to imbalances in key physiological systems, such as impaired gut barrier function, chronic low-grade inflammation, or mitochondrial dysfunction. These upstream imbalances are frequently modulated by hormonal and immune signaling disruptions, which progressively erode the body's homeostatic capacity. Identifying these root causes allows for targeted, personalized interventions aimed at restoring optimal physiological function.

Functional Pathology ∞ Area

Functional Pathology

Meaning

Functional Pathology is a clinical paradigm that focuses on understanding the underlying physiological and biochemical dysfunctions that precede and contribute to overt disease, rather than simply identifying the named disease state. This approach seeks to map the dynamic interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors that create a suboptimal functional state. It represents a shift from a disease-centric model to a systems-oriented view of health and illness.