Introduction

This section deals with abnormalities that occur in cellular growth and development of the individual from conception to death. Chapter 15: Disorders of Development describes abnormalities occurring during fetal development, abnormalities of postnatal development, abnormalities of sexual development, and aging.

In addition, throughout life, cells grow, undergo mitotic division, differentiate, and die in a controlled fashion that maintains the normal size and structure of tissues. Abnormalities in these processes are described in Chapters 16, Chapters 17, Chapters 18, 19, with special emphasis on neoplasia (Chapters 17Chapters 18, 19).