Langford - The Everything Guide to Anatomy and Physiology: All You Need to Know about How the Human Body Works

Dear Reader,

Thank you for reading The Everything Guide to Anatomy and Physiology. This was always one of my favorite subjects when I was getting my biology degree because it was the first subject that really applied to something I related to every day: my own body. Since the human body is such a complex and intricate machine, I hope you find this guide a simplified view of the more challenging designs and mechanics that keep our bodies running smoothly. Too often textbooks, which are written by professors who deal with research on explicit detail, are written in technical language and assume a certain level of understanding of the biological processes. As a student I found this frustrating and confusing. As you learn about the body and begin to understand its beautiful pattern, design, and function, use this guide as a supplement to assist you through those most challenging portions of human anatomy and physiology. This information will be essential to those in the biological sciences as well as those wishing to pursue a career in the health professions. I wish you the best of luck in all your studies of the amazing human body.

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Avon, Massachusetts

I dedicate this guide to all students of anatomy and physiology past, present, and future, and to those amazing scientists who continue to bring to light the intricacies of the human body.

Copyright 2015 by F+W Media, Inc.

All rights reserved.

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.

An Everything Series Book.

Everything and everything.com are registered trademarks of F+W Media, Inc.

Published by

Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322. U.S.A.

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ISBN 10: 1-4405-8182-7

ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-8182-3

eISBN 10: 10: 1-4405-8183-5

eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-8183-0

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Langford, Kevin, author.

The everything guide to anatomy and physiology / Kevin Langford.

p. cm. -- (Everything series book)

Includes index.

ISBN 978-1-4405-8182-3 (pb) -- ISBN 1-4405-8182-7 (pb) -- ISBN 978-1-4405-8183-0 (ebook) -- ISBN 1-4405-8183-5 (ebook)

I. Title. II. Series: Everything series.

[DNLM: 1. Anatomy--Popular Works. 2. Physiological Phenomena--Popular Works. QS 4]

QP34.5

612--dc23

2015005183

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and F+W Media, Inc. was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

Cover images Adrian Bud/Barabas Alpar/123RF.

Interior images 2015 iStockphoto.com and 123RF.

I would like to acknowledge the most influential people from my education and training who have enabled me to be a part of this great study of the human body. Dr. Don Hay taught me during many of my courses in human biology, as well as initially trained me in research. Dr. Ralph Sanderson showed me by example how to study a problem and how to communicate effectively. Dr. John Moore introduced me to the joy of academic writing. He is a great mentor and has become a valued friend.

Lastly, James Langford exemplified all those things that make a person great. He was my first favorite and best teacher. He still demonstrates an amazing work ethic for those things that are important and deserve your best efforts. His caring nature and servants heart help me be a better professor and advisor to my students. He is my dad, my best friend, and my example. To him I owe eternal thanks and gratitude.

1. In the gym: Youll know which exercises work each muscle (and later, which ones are hurting the most).
2. In the doctors office: Youll know the functions of the organs your doctor is talking about.
3. At your local trivia night: Youll be the champion of science trivia.
4. To help friends and family members: You can be the local anatomy expert.
5. To stay healthy: Not only will you be able to eat better and take better care of your body, but you will know when and how to avoid sick people.
6. If youre preparing for a trip to Mars: Counteracting the changes to the human anatomy and physiology during long-term space travel will be essential for a trip to Mars (will you be the first?).
7. To make some extra cash: Become a teaching assistant or AP tutor.
8. To create a health and fitness app: Health and fitness are increasingly important to everyone. Will you create the next Fitbit?
9. On a diving vacation: Understanding the physiology of pressure and blood gases is critical to your survival when scuba diving.
10. For your career: If you want to have any type of medical career, youll need a good understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

Human anatomy and physiology are the fascinating studies of human form and function. In many ways, the form is the function. However, cells, tissues, and organs are often intricately organized to facilitate many functions simultaneously. In this book, all of the processes and structures of the human body will be explained. (Many of the complex biochemical processes will be simplified for easier understanding.)

The human body has always amazed mankind. Early scientific drawings and diagrams demonstrate the long-standing fascination with the body. Even cave drawings and later hieroglyphics illustrate that man was aware of the complex machine that was his body. In many ways, you may very well view the body as an overly complex device, and feel overwhelmed at the amount of detail that must be absorbed when studying it. However, by starting with a solid foundation on which to build a more detailed understanding, anyone can master the human body.