Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Efferent pathway

    A pathway from the central nervous system to an effector.  

  • Conduction pathway

    A group of fibers in the heart, nerves, spinal cord, or brain that conduct impulses that trigger responses in the same or other tissues.  

  • Complement classic pathway

    A complement cascade initiated by an antibody antigen reaction that activates complement factor 1 (Cl).  

  • Complement alternative pathway

    A complement cascade initiated by a foreign protein, usually a bacterium.  

  • Clinical pathway

    A method used in health care as a way of organizing, evaluating, and limiting variations in patient care. Development of a clinical pathway usually begins with establishment of a multidisciplinary committee that examines data to determine which patients will benefit most. Usually, diagnoses that involve costly or complex care (e.g., multidisciplinary care) or common illnesses…

  • Biosynthetic pathway

    The chemical and metabolic events that lead to the formation of substances in the body.  

  • Afferent pathway

    A sensory pathway from a receptor to the central nervous system.  

  • Pathotype

    A disease-causing variant of a microorganism. It is distinguishable from other members of its species by its virulence and by unique molecular markers. A taxonomic category below the species level, identified by shared features of disease-causing ability, specifically with regard to the range of hosts affected.  

  • Pathopsychology

    The branch of psychology dealing with mental processes during disease.  

  • Pathomimesis

    Intentional (conscious or unconscious) imitation of a disease.