Plural of diathesis; constitutional predispositions or inherited tendencies to develop certain diseases or conditions.
From Greek 'diathesis' (arrangement, disposition), originally referring to the arrangement of body conditions that predisposed someone to disease.
Medical students learn about diatheses because your genetics and body chemistry create these hidden predispositions—you might have a diathesis for diabetes or heart disease, which is why family history is such a powerful medical predictor.
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