Human Physiology

The human body is a complicated and beautiful machine, governed by the laws of physics and chemistry. By understanding its physiology - how it performs its varied functions - it is possible to build strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

In this latest edition, expanded and restructured coverage of sensory physiology and the respiratory system, a new comprehensive glossary of key terms, and additional online learning resources make Human Physiology even more student-friendly than its predecessors.

Human Physiology provides clear explanations of the principles that govern the body's physiological processes and shows how these can be applied. This is the ideal course companion for any student needing a solid foundation in the subject for a future career in human biology, biomedical science, or medicine.

Online resources

Student resources
- Numerical and clinical problems
- Multiple choice questions
- Web links

Lecturer resources
- Figures from the book

Table of Contents

Section 1 Basic concepts in physiology
1: What is physiology?
2: Key concepts in chemistry
3: The chemical constitution of the body
Section 2 The organization and basic functions of cells
4: Introducing cells and tissues
5: The transport functions of the plasma membrane
6: Principles of cell signalling
Section 3 The excitable tissues - nerve and muscle
7: Nerve cells and their connections
8: Muscle
Section 4 The nervous system and special senses
9: Introduction to the nervous system
10: The physiology of motor systems
11: The autonomic nervous system
12: Principles of sensory physiology
13: The somatosensory system
14: The physiology of the eye and visual pathways
15: The physiology of the ear and auditory pathways
16: The vestibular system and the sense of balance
17: The chemical senses - the senses of smell and taste
18: The limbic system, learning and memory
19: The cerebral cortex, sleep and circadian rhythms
Section 5 The endocrine system
20: Introduction to the endocrine system
21: The pituitary gland and hypothalamus
22: The thyroid and parathyroid glands
23: The adrenal glands
24: The endocrine pancreas and regulation of plasma glucose
Section 6 Blood and the immune system
25: The properties of blood
26: Defence against infection: inflammation and immunity
Section 7 The cardiovascular system
27: Introduction to the cardiovascular system
28: The heart
29: The electrocardiogram (ECG)
30: The circulation
31: The microcirculation and lymphatic system
Section 8 The respiratory system
32: Introduction to the respiratory system
33: The mechanics of breathing
34: Alveolar ventilation and blood gas exchange
35: The control of breathing
36: Pulmonary defence mechanisms and common disorders of respiration
37: The physiology of high altitude and diving
38: The physiology of exercise
Section 9 The regulation of the internal environment
39: The renal system
40: The regulation of plasma osmolality and body fluid volume
41: Acid-base balance
42: The skin and thermoregulation
Section 10 The gastrointestinal system
43: Introduction to gastrointestinal system
44: The digestive functions of the gastrointestinal tract
45: The exocrine functions of the pancreas
46: The liver
47: Nutrition and energy balance
Section 11 Reproduction and growth
48: The physiology of the male and female reproductive systems
49: Fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation
50: Fetal and neonatal physiology
51: The control of growth
Appendix 1 - Glossary of key terms
Appendix 2 - SI Units

Gillian Pocock, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Science, School of Nursing, Canterbury Christ Church University, Christopher D. Richards, Emeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, and David A. Richards, Associate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine

Gillian Pocock read Physiology at the University of Oxford before moving to Kings' College London to study for her PhD under the supervision of P.F. Baker. She held a post-doctoral position at Kings' College before taking up an appointment in the Department of Physiology, Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine. She is now Senior Lecturer in Clinical Science in the School of Nursing at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK. Her research interests have focussed on the role of calcium in secretion and pH regulation in neurons.

Christopher Richards read Biological Chemistry at the University of Bristol. He completed his PhD in the Department of Zoology, University of Bristol, under the supervision of P.C. Caldwell before taking up a position at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. He subsequently moved to the National Institute for Medical Research where he was a member of the scientific staff. He later held posts in the Departments of Physiology at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine and University College London where he is currently Emeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology. He has published over 100 scientific articles, chiefly on the physiology and pharmacology of nerve cells.

David Richards studied biochemistry at the University of Bristol before beginning his PhD at the National Institute for Medical Research and University College, London under the supervision of T.V.P. Bliss. After postdoctoral positions at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the University of Zurich Brain Research Institute and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, he was appointed Assistant Professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, before moving to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He is now Associate Professor of Neuropharmacology at Husson University School of Pharmacy in Maine. His research focuses on the cell biology that supports synaptic transmission.