Pathology is not merely a static body of knowledge but a dynamic and evolving discipline interfacing with science, medicine and society. The growing trend towards integrated and self-directed learning on the one hand, and the commercialization of medical practice on the other, has resulted in a progressive loss of connection between teaching and the practice of pathology. Based on the specific discipline of anatomical pathology (histopathology) this text realigns education with modern, evidence-based practice and guides medical and health science students toward an understanding of pathology. The unfolding of key ideas is placed in historical context and emphasis focuses on the mechanisms underlying disease processes and the principles of tissue diagnosis. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.