Table of Contents

Contributors vi

Preface ix

List of Abbreviations x

1 Cell Physiology 1

2 Cellular Communication 22

3 Introduction to the Nervous System 37

4 Signalling in the Nervous System 63

5 Muscle 95

6 Sensory Systems 122

7 Special Senses 138

8 Motor System 185

9 Higher Nervous Functions 213

10 Pain 227

11 Endocrine System 239

12 Reproduction 271

13 Blood 290

14 Introduction to the Cardiovascular System 326

15 Cardiovascular System—The Heart 335

16 Vascular System 372

17 Cardiovascular Regulation Regional Circulation and Circulatory Adjustments 402

18 Respiration 425

19 Digestive System 494

20 Kidney 540

21 Fluid and Electrolyte Balance 570

22 Energy Metabolism 591

23 Temperature Regulation 603

24 Exercise 616

Appendix 1: Units of measurement 623

Appendix 2: Basic Concepts of Acid–Base Chemistry 625

Index 628

About the Author

Ole H. Peteresen Vice-President of The Royal Society; MRC Research Professor; George Holt Professor of Physiology, University of Liverpool, UK

Reviews

“A practical, easy-to-read text that incorporates diagrams alongside text to aid understanding. Concise and to the point, it serves as an ideal student text.” Medical Student, Peninsula
“A thoroughly informative and useful anthology of human physiology, perfectly suited to medical and scientific students alike, who are looking for a core text with which to edify their understanding. It will bring physiology alive to you by exploring the systems in a clear and compelling manner.” Medical Student, Imperial
“The text covers important concepts in physiology, both at the organ system and cellular levels. It stresses essential and relevant content with clarity and includes numerous tables and illustrations.” Medical Student, Bristol University
"Petersen's Human Physiology is 650 pages of excellently presented, readable science. It is suitable for medical and undergraduate life science students. Extraneous details are kept to a minimum, and the text would cover any medical school curriculum." Medical Student, Dundee University
“Physiology is not easy at the best of times; this book covers in detail all you need to know in an easy to understand manner- giving you the basic ground knowledge to form your clinical knowledge on top.” Medical Student, HYMS
"Includes none of the clutter you have to wade through in other books. The content is condensed down to the essential information and is presented in a very readable layout. Excellent for consolidating your learning. Compact yet comprehensive." Medical Student, Brighton Sussex Medical School