morphological toxic response

Morphological toxic response refers to structural changes in an organ or tissue caused by exposure to a toxic substance. These changes can range from subtle alterations in cells to significant damage that affects the organ's overall structure. For example, inhaling silica dust over time can lead to silicosis, a condition where nodules form in the lungs, altering their structure and impairing function.1

In contrast, functional toxic responses affect the organ's activity without necessarily causing visible structural damage. An example is malathion exposure, which inhibits an enzyme crucial for nerve function, leading to exaggerated physiological responses without altering tissue structure. While morphology focuses on form and structure, physiology deals with function, though the two are closely intertwined in understanding disease.12