The sixth edition of Understanding Pathophysiology, like other editions, has been rigorously updated and revised with consideration of the rapid advances in molecular and cell biology. Many sections have been rewritten or reorganized to provide a foundation for better understanding of the mechanisms of disease. Integrated throughout the text are concepts from the basic sciences, including genetics, epigenetics, gene–environment interaction, immunity, and inflammation. The text has been written to assist students with the translation of the concepts and processes of pathophysiology into clinical practice and to promote lifelong learning. Although the primary focus of the text is pathophysiology,we continue to include discussions of the following interconnected topics to highlight their importance for clinical practice:
• A life-span approach that includes special sections on aging and separate chapters on children
• Epidemiology and incidence rates showing regional and worldwide differences that reflect the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease initiation and progression
• Sex differences that affect epidemiology and pathophysiology
• Molecular biology—mechanisms of normal cell function and how their alteration leads to disease
• Clinical manifestations, summaries of treatment, and health promotion/risk reduction
• A life-span approach that includes special sections on aging and separate chapters on children
• Epidemiology and incidence rates showing regional and worldwide differences that reflect the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors on disease initiation and progression
• Sex differences that affect epidemiology and pathophysiology
• Molecular biology—mechanisms of normal cell function and how their alteration leads to disease
• Clinical manifestations, summaries of treatment, and health promotion/risk reduction
