What is the study of changes in structure and function of body tissues as a result of disease called?

The study of changes in structure and function of body tissues as a result of disease is known as pathology. Pathology is a crucial field in medicine that focuses on understanding how diseases affect the body at a cellular and tissue level, enabling practitioners to diagnose and treat various health conditions. By examining the alterations in tissue structure and the biological processes that lead to those changes, pathologists can provide insights into the nature and progression of diseases.

Histology, while closely related, primarily concerns the microscopic study of tissues without focusing specifically on disease processes. Physiology involves studying the functions and mechanisms in living organisms but does not emphasize structural changes due to diseases. Anatomy is the study of the physical structure of organisms, again not specifically focused on the effects of disease. Therefore, pathology distinctly encompasses the aspects of structural and functional changes due to disease, making it the correct choice.