Human Physiology, the Mechanisms of Body Function

The primary purpose of this book is to present the fundamental mechanisms of human physiology. Its aim is to tell a story and is intended for undergraduate students. The physics and chemistry requisite for an understanding of the physiology are presented where relevant in the text. The books approach is based upon a group of themes (1) All phenomenna of life are ultimately describable in terms of physical and chemical laws; (2) certain fundamental features of cell function are shared by all cells and, in addition, constitue the foundation upon which specialization is built; (3) the body's various coordinated functions--circulation, respiration, etc.--result from the precise control and integration of specialized cellular activities, serve to maintain relatively constant the intern composition of the body, and can be described in terms of control systems similar to those designed by engineers.