What is the formation of pus known as in pathological terms?

The formation of pus is referred to as suppuration in pathological terms. Suppuration is a process associated with the body's response to infection, especially bacterial infections, leading to the accumulation of pus, which is composed of dead neutrophils, bacteria, and tissue debris. This phenomenon typically occurs in response to inflammatory processes where there is an active immune response attempting to contain and eliminate the infective agents.

Understanding suppuration is crucial in pathology, as it signifies not only the presence of infection but also the body's immune response and the nature of the pathological process at play. While other processes like inflammation involve broader physiological responses, suppuration specifically focuses on the localized production of pus and the events that culminate in this particular outcome during an ongoing infection.