What is the study of how disease occurs and the responses of living organisms to disease processes called?

The study of how disease occurs and the responses of living organisms to disease processes is known as pathophysiology. This field combines aspects of pathology, which is the study of disease, with physiology, which deals with the normal functions of living organisms. In essence, pathophysiology focuses on the changes in bodily functions that are caused by disease, including the mechanisms of disease development and the impact of those diseases on the body’s systems and processes. Understanding pathophysiology is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it helps them to comprehend how diseases affect normal bodily functions and to develop effective treatment strategies.

Other fields included in the options serve different purposes: anatomy pertains to the structure of the body, embryology studies the development of organisms from conception to birth, and physiology examines the normal functioning of living systems, making them distinct from the specific focus of pathophysiology on disease and its effects.