List of pathology mnemonics

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List of Pathology Mnemonics is a compilation of memory aids used to facilitate the learning and recall of complex pathology concepts and information. Pathology, a branch of medical science concerned with the cause, origin, and nature of disease, involves the examination of tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies to study and diagnose disease. Mnemonics in pathology help students and professionals remember the details and criteria of various diseases, their pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostic criteria.

Types of Pathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]

Pathology mnemonics can be categorized based on the area of pathology they cover, such as general pathology, systemic pathology, hematopathology, and neuropathology among others. Each category encompasses a range of diseases and pathological conditions relevant to that particular field.

General Pathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]

General pathology mnemonics cover the basic mechanisms of disease, including inflammation, healing, neoplasia, and changes in growth patterns. For example, a mnemonic to remember the cardinal signs of inflammation is "PRISH" for Pain, Redness, Immobility (loss of function), Swelling, and Heat.

Systemic Pathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]

Systemic pathology mnemonics are tailored to specific organ systems, such as the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, and others. An example is "ABCDE" to recall the risk factors for atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, Blood pressure, Cigarette smoking, Diabetes mellitus, and Exercise (lack of).

Hematopathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]

Hematopathology mnemonics help in recalling diseases related to blood and the hematopoietic system. A common mnemonic is "CLOTS" for the causes of thrombosis: Circulation stasis, Lining damage, Others (genetic factors, age, obesity), Type of blood (increased coagulability), and Surgery.

Neuropathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]

Neuropathology mnemonics assist in remembering disorders of the nervous system. For instance, "4 D's" is used to remember the main features of normal pressure hydrocephalus: Dementia, Dysuria, Dysphagia, and Disturbed gait.

Importance of Mnemonics in Pathology[edit | edit source]

Mnemonics play a crucial role in the field of pathology by simplifying the learning process. They are particularly useful in medical education, where the volume of information to be remembered is vast. Mnemonics aid in the retention and quick recall of information, which is essential for diagnostic processes and medical examinations.

List of Pathology Mnemonics[edit | edit source]


  • Inflammation: PRISH - Pain, Redness, Immobility, Swelling, Heat
  • Atherosclerosis: ABCDE - Atherosclerosis, Blood pressure, Cigarette smoking, Diabetes mellitus, Exercise (lack of)
  • Thrombosis: CLOTS - Circulation stasis, Lining damage, Others, Type of blood, Surgery
  • Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: 4 D's - Dementia, Dysuria, Dysphagia, Disturbed gait

See Also[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD