For any pathology question, first decide: Is it cell adaptation? Inflammation? Hemodynamic? Neoplastic? Then apply the simple rule. You will be right 80% of the time.

“Pathology is not difficult; it is simply detailed. Understand the why, and the what will follow.”

| | Simple Definition | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Edema | Too much fluid in tissues (interstitial space) | Heart failure → pedal edema; liver failure → ascites | | Hyperemia | Active increased blood flow (arteriolar dilation) | Blushing, inflamed tissue (red, warm) | | Congestion | Passive backup of blood (venous outflow blocked) | Chronic liver congestion → “nutmeg liver” | | Thrombosis | A blood clot forms inside a vessel (on abnormal endothelium) | Atherosclerotic plaque rupture → platelet plug + fibrin | | Embolism | A clot (or other junk) travels | DVT breaks off → pulmonary embolism (sudden death) | | Infarction | Tissue death from blocked artery | White infarct (solid organs like kidney), Red infarct (lung, bowel) | | Shock | Systemic hypoperfusion → cell death | Cardiogenic, hypovolemic, septic (distributive) |