functional disease

American  

noun

Pathology.

1. a disease in which there is an abnormal change in the function of an organ, but no structural alteration in the tissues involved (opposed to organic disease).

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functional disease British  

noun

1. a disease in which there is no observable change in the structure of an organ or part Compare organic disease

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Etymology

Origin of functional disease

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Neurosis is a functional disease of the nervous system.

From Woman Her Sex and Love Life by Robinson, William J.

By organic disease is meant one that causes serious, perhaps permanent deterioration of the tissues of the body; by functional disease is meant one due to a perverted action of approximately normal organs.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. XXXI, No. 4, August 1908 by Various

Sometimes this functional disease persists without any apparent injury to the individual as long as the ventricle does not take note of these extra auricular systoles and does not also become extra rapid.

From Disturbances of the Heart by Osborne, Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas)

Pruritus is a functional disease of the skin, the sole symptom of which is itching, there being no structural change.

From Essentials of Diseases of the Skin Including the Syphilodermata Arranged in the Form of Questions and Answers Prepared Especially for Students of Medicine by Stelwagon, Henry Weightman

On the other hand, a structural or functional disease of the brain may prevent that organ from taking cognizance of the sensations of the stomach, when the system actually requires nourishment.

From A Treatise on Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene (Revised Edition) by Cutter, Calvin