The Human Body

• A complete course in the biological topics that biomedical and healthcare science students need to know.
• Written by established authors with a long-standing track record of excellence in both teaching and research.
• Focuses on key concepts and principles without overwhelming the reader with excessive detail.
• Straightforward presentation, both in terms of the written text and accompanying artwork, leaves the student free to focus on mastering the key principles.
• Online Resource Centre features additional resources for lecturers to enhance the educational value of the text.

Readership: First and second year undergraduates studying the essentials of biological science as part of a biomedical or health science degree programme.

Gillian Pocock, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Department of Health, Wellbeing and the Family, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Chris Richards, Emeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London

"This volume is an excellent choice for any introductory course in the human health professions. Its tight organization and superb style should give it legs for future editions, much to the benefit of both students and professors. " - The Quaterly Review of Biology

SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1: An introduction to the human body
2: Key concepts in chemistry
3: The chemical constitution of the body
SECTION 2: THE ORGANIZATION AND BASIC FUNCTIONS OF CELLS
4: Introducing cells
5: The functions of the plasma membrane
6: Cells and tissues
7: The principles of cell signalling
SECTION 3 EXCITABLE CELLS
8: Nerve cells and their connections
9: Muscle
SECTION 4 THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF BODY SYSTEMS
10: Musculo-skeletal system
11: The organization of the nervous system
12: The physiology of motor systems
13: The autonomic nervous system
14: Sensory systems
15: Some aspects of higher nervous function
16: The endocrine system
17: The heart
18: The electrocardiogram
19: The circulation
20: The properties of blood
21: Defence against infection: inflammation and immunity
22: Respiration
23: The kidney and the urinary tract
24: The digestive system
25: The liver and gall bladder
26: The pancreas
27: Skin structure and function
SECTION 5 REPRODUCTION AND INHERITANCE
28: The physiology of reproduction
29: Fertilization and pregnancy
30: The genetic basis of inheritance
SECTION 6 INTEGRATIVE ASPECTS OF PHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
31: The nutritional needs of the body
32: Energy balance and exercise
33: The regulation of body temperature
34: Body fluid and acid-base balance
35: The uptake, distribution and elimination of drugs