Subheadings: pathol, physiopathol & physiol
The DeCS tip for this post refers to the qualifiers pathology (PATHOL), physiopathology (PHYSIOPATHOL), and physiology (PHYSIOL), which are often misused in indexing.
pathology
- Used to index deviations from the normal structure of organs, tissues and cells, such as in disease states;
- for the normal structure of organs and tissues anatomy & histology is used
- for normal cells, cytology is used.
pathology should be used ONLY if the article discusses anatomical, histological changes in the DISEASE, NOT as a substitute for “disease”.
Indexing examples:
physiopathology
- Used with an organ for its disordered function in a disease, or with a disease for disordered physiology caused by the disease.
physiopathology should be used ONLY if the article discusses physiological or functional changes in the DISEASE, NOT as a substitute for “disease” (also NOT for combined physiology and pathology of a disease).
Indexing examples:
physiology
- Used to index the normal function of organs, tissues, and cells of unicellular and multicellular organisms. It is used also with endogenous biochemical substances for their physiologic role.
physiology is restricted to articles on normal function.
Indexing examples:
From: MEDLINE Indexing Online Training Course
Category: DeCS tips
