Pathology is the study encompassing the origin, nature, and course of diseases. A doctor who studies pathology is known as a pathologist.
While attempting to discreetly obtain information on Pa'nar Syndrome from Vulcan Doctors Yuris and Strom in 2152, Dr. Phlox noted that one of his colleagues on Denobula had been studying it for some time and found that it had a pathology quite similar to thymic sclerosis. (ENT: "Stigma")
In 2153, Jonathan Archer was led to believe that he was being treated for exposure to pyretic radiation given off from the Xindi probe that attacked Earth. He was to be in the examined by a Vulcan pathologist named Fer'at to determine the extent of his exposure. Dr. Phlox, later revealed that Fer'at was not a pathologist, and was in fact a psychiatric analyst who was analyzing Archer's input on time travel and the friction he was receiving regarding its existence. (ENT: "The Expanse")
Following an examination of the Minaran named Gem in 2268, Dr. Leonard McCoy noted that her lack of vocal cords was not a pathological condition, because she appeared to be perfectly healthy. (TOS: "The Empath")
McCoy later had the USS Enterprise's computer scan Mira Romaine for evidence of pathological or unusual empathic responses to her encounter with the Zetarians. The results of the scans came back negative. (TOS: "The Lights of Zetar")
Following the death of the crew of the USS Lantree, in 2365, and its subsequent report to Dr. Sara Kingsley, by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Kingsley inquired to Dr. Katherine Pulaski if a pathology was established. Pulaski noted "Organ failure consistent with advanced geriatric...", before being interrupted by Picard, who was disturbed by Kingsley's lack of concern for the death of the crew of the ship that has recently visited her research station. (TNG: "Unnatural Selection")
Related topics
- Botanical pathology
- Cytology
- Neuropathology