A favorite text of physiology students worldwide, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology delivers the complex knowledge you need to master in a distinctive, easy-to-digest format. The fifteenth Edition of this bestselling text is fully up to date and provides clear, comprehensive coverage of the content most relevant to clinical and pre-clinical students. The unique format ensures maximum learning and retention of complex concepts: a larger font size emphasizes core information, while supporting information is detailed in a smaller font and highlighted in pale blue—making it easy to quickly skim the essential text or pursue more in-depth study.
Focuses on core material and how the body maintains homeostasis to remain healthy, emphasizing the important principles that will aid in later clinical decision making
Contains new information on physiology and the gut microbiome and clinically important sex differences in physiology lab values
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Utilizes two font sizes: a larger font for fundamentals, and a smaller font that highlights relevant integrated sciences, clinical examples, pathophysiology, or detailed mechanisms that students can read as needed
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UNIT I: Introduction to Physiology: The Cell and General Physiology 1. Functional Organization of the Human Body and Control of the “Internal Environment” Cells Are the Living Units of the Body Extracellular Fluid—The “Internal Environment” Homeostasis—Maintenance of a Stable Internal Environment Control Systems of the Body Physiological Variability 2. The Cell and Its Functions Organization of the Cell Cell Structure Functional Systems of the Cell Locomotion of Cells 3. Genetic Control of Protein Synthesis, Cell Function, and Cell Reproduction Cell Nucleus Genes Control Protein Synthesis Transcription—Transfer of Cell Nucleus DNA Code to Cytoplasm RNA Code Translation—Formation of Proteins on the Ribosomes Protein Enzymes Control Synthesis of Other Substances in the Cell Regulation of Gene Function and Biochemical Activity in Cells The DNA–Genetic System Controls Cell Reproduction Cell Differentiation Apoptosis—Programmed Cell Death Cancer
UNIT II: Membrane Physiology, Nerve, and Muscle 4. Transport of Substances Through Cell Membranes The Cell Membrane Is a Lipid Bilayer With Cell Membrane Transport Proteins Diffusion Active Transport of Substances Through Membranes 5. Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials Basic Physics of Membrane Potentials Resting Membrane Potential of Neurons Neuron Action Potential Propagation of the Action Potential Importance of Energy Metabolism for Reestablishing Sodium and Potassium Ionic Gradients After Action Potentials Are Completed Plateau in Some Action Potentials Rhythmicity of Some Excitable Tissues—Repetitive Discharge Special Characteristics of Signal Transmission in Nerve Trunks Excitation—The Process of Eliciting the Action Potential 6. Contraction of Skeletal Muscle Physiological Anatomy of Skeletal Muscle General Mechanism of Muscle Contraction Molecular Mechanisms of Muscle Contraction Energetics of Muscle Contraction Characteristics of Whole Muscle Contraction 7. Excitation of Skeletal Muscle: Neuromuscular Transmission and Excitation-Contraction Coupling Neuromuscular Junction and Transmission of Impulses From Nerve Endings to Skeletal Muscle Fibers Muscle Action Potential Excitation-Contraction Coupling 8. Excitation and Contraction of Smooth Muscle Contraction of Smooth Muscle Regulation of Contraction By Calcium Ions Nervous and Hormonal Control of Smooth Muscle Contraction
UNIT III: The Heart 9. Cardiac Muscle; The Heart as a Pump and Function of the Heart Valves Cardiac Muscle Physiology The Cardiac Cycle Regulation of Heart Pumping 10. Rhythmical Excitation of the Heart Specialized Excitatory and Conductive System of the Heart Control of Excitation and Conduction in the Heart 11. Fundamentals of Electrocardiography Waveforms of the Normal Electrocardiogram Flow of Current Around the Heart During the Cardiac Cycle Electrocardiographic Leads 12. Electrocardiographic Interpretation of Cardiac Muscle and Coronary Blood Flow Abnormalities: Vectorial Analysis Vectorial Analysis of Electrocardiograms Vectorial Analysis of the Normal Electrocardiogram Mean Electrical Axis of the Ventricular QRS and Its Significance Conditions That Cause Abnormal Voltages of the QRS Complex Prolonged and Bizarre Patterns of the QRS Complex Current of Injury on the Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in the T Wave 13. Cardiac Arrhythmias and Their Electrocardiographic Interpretation Abnormal Sinus Rhythms Heart Block Within the Intracardiac Conduction Pathways Premature Contractions Paroxysmal Tachycardia Ventricular Fibrillation Atrial Fibrillation Atrial Flutter Cardiac Arrest
UNIT IV: The Circulation 14. Overview of the Circulation: Pressure, Flow, and Resistance Physical Characteristics of the Circulation Basic Principles of Circulatory Function Interrelationships of Pressure, Flow, and Resistance 15. Vascular Distensibility and Functions of the Arterial and Venous Systems Vascular Distensibility Arterial Pressure Pulsations Veins and Their Functions 16. The Microcirculation and Lymphatic System: Capillary Fluid Exchange, Interstitial Fluid, and Lymph Flow Structure of the Microcirculation and Capillary System Vasomotion Causes Intermittent Capillary Blood Flow Exchange of Substances Between the Blood and Interstitial Fluid Interstitium and Interstitial Fluid Fluid Filtration Across Capillaries Lymphatic System 17. Local and Humoral Control of Tissue Blood Flow Local Blood Flow Is Controlled in Response to Tissue Needs Mechanisms of Local Blood Flow Control Humoral Control of the Circulation 18. Nervous Regulation of the Circulation and Rapid Control of Arterial Pressure Nervous Regulation of the Circulation Special Features of Nervous Control of Arterial Pressure 19. Role of the Kidneys in Long-Term Control of Arterial Pressure and in Hypertension: The Integrated System for Arterial Pressure Regulation Renal–Body Fluid System for Arterial Pressure Control Role of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Arterial Pressure Control Summary of Integrated Multifaceted Systems for Arterial Pressure Regulation 20. Cardiac Output, Venous Return, and Their Regulation Normal Values for Cardiac Output at Rest and During Activity Control of Cardiac Output By Venous Return—Frank-Starling Mechanism of the Heart Methods for Measuring Cardiac Output 21. Muscle Blood Flow and Cardiac Output During Exercise; The Coronary Circulation and Ischemic Heart Disease Blood Flow Regulation in Skeletal Muscle at Rest and During Exercise Coronary Circulation 22. Heart Failure Circulatory Dynamics in Heart Failure Unilateral Left Heart Failure Low-Output Cardiac Failure—Cardiogenic Shock Edema in Patients With Heart Failure Cardiac Reserve Quantitative Graphic Analysis of Cardiac Failure Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction High-Output Heart Failure 23. Heart Valves and Heart Sounds; Valvular and Congenital Heart Defects Heart Sounds Abnormal Circulatory Dynamics in Valvular Heart Disease Abnormal Circulatory Dynamics in Congenital Heart Defects Use of Extracorporeal Circulation During Cardiac Surgery Hypertrophy of the Heart in Valvular and Congenital Heart Disease 24. Circulatory Shock and Its Treatment Physiological Causes of Shock Hypovolemic Shock Due to Hemorrhage Distributive Shock Is Characterized By Severe Peripheral Vasodilation Obstructive Shock Is Usually Due to Noncardiac Causes of Reduced Cardiac Output Physiology of Treatment in Shock Circulatory Arrest
UNIT V: The Body Fluids and Kidneys 25. Regulation of Body Fluid Compartments: Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids; Edema Long-Term Steady-State Fluid and Solute Balance Body Fluid Compartments Constituents of Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids Measurement of Body Fluid Volume—Indicator-Dilution Principle Fluid Exchange and Osmotic Equilibrium Between Intracellular and Extracellular Fluid Volume and Osmolality of Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids in Abnormal States Glucose and Other Solutions for Nutrition Clinical Abnormalities of Fluid Volume Regulation: Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia Edema: Excess Fluid in the Tissues Fluids in Potential Spaces of the Body 26. The Urinary System: Functional Anatomy and Urine Formation By the Kidneys Functions of the Kidneys Physiological Anatomy of the Kidneys Urine Formation Results From Glomerular Filtration, Tubular Reabsorption, and Tubular Secretion Micturition 27. Glomerular Filtration, Renal Blood Flow, and Their Control Glomerular Filtration—The First Step in Urine Formation Determinants of GFR Renal Blood Flow Physiological Control of GFR and Renal Blood Flow Autoregulation of GFR and Renal Blood Flow 28. Renal Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion Tubular Reabsorption Is Quantitatively Large and Highly Selective Passive and Active Mechanisms of Reabsorption Reabsorption and Secretion Along Different Parts of the Nephron Regulation of Tubular Reabsorption Use of Clearance Methods to Quantify Kidney Function 29. Urine Concentration and Dilution; Regulation of Extracellular Fluid Osmolarity and Sodium Concentration Excretion of Excess Water by Dilute Urine Conservation of Water by Concentrated Urine Countercurrent Multiplier Mechanism Control of Extracellular Fluid Osmolarity and Sodium Concentration 30. Renal Regulation of Potassium, Calcium, Phosphate, and Magnesium; Integration of Renal Mechanisms for Control of Blood Volume and Extracellular Fluid Volume Regulation of Internal Potassium Distribution Renal Potassium Excretion Renal Calcium Excretion and Extracellular Calcium Ion Concentration Renal Phosphate Excretion Renal Magnesium Excretion and Extracellular Magnesium Ion Concentration Integration of Renal Mechanisms for Control of Extracellular Fluid and Distribution of Extracellular Fluid Nervous and Hormonal Factors in Renal–Body Fluid Feedback Control Responses to Changes in Sodium Intake Conditions Causing Large Increases in Blood and Extracellular Fluid Volume 31. Acid–Base Regulation Hydrogen Ion Concentration Regulation Acids and Bases—Definitions Defenses Against Changes in H+ Concentration: Buffers, Lungs, and Kidneys Buffering of H+ Bicarbonate Buffer System Phosphate Buffer System Proteins as Intracellular Buffers Respiratory Regulation of Acid–Base Balance Renal Control of Acid–Base Balance Secretion and Reabsorption of H+ and HCO3− in Tubules Generation of “New” HCO3− in the Tubule Quantification of Renal Acid–Base Excretion Renal Adjustment in Acidosis and Alkalosis 32. Diuretics and Kidney Diseases Mechanisms of Action of Diuretics Kidney Diseases Acute Kidney Injury Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Loss of Nephrons
UNIT VI: Blood Cells, Immunity, and Blood Coagulation 33. Red Blood Cells, Anemia, and Polycythemia Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes) Iron Metabolism Anemias Polycythemia 34. Resistance of the Body to Infection: I. Leukocytes, Granulocytes, the Monocyte-Macrophage System, and Inflammation Leukocytes (White Blood Cells) Neutrophils and Macrophages Defend Against Infections Monocyte-Macrophage Cell System (Reticuloendothelial System) Inflammation: Role of Neutrophils and Macrophages Eosinophils Basophils Leukopenia Leukemias 35. Resistance of the Body to Infection: II. Immunity and Allergy Acquired (Adaptive) Immunity Allergy and Hypersensitivity Sex Differences in Innate and Adaptive Immunity 36. Blood Types, Transfusion, and Tissue and Organ Transplantation Antigenicity Causes Immune Reactions of Blood O-A-B Blood Types Rh Blood Types Transfusion Reactions Resulting From Mismatched Blood Types Transplantation of Tissues and Organs Immunological Aspects of Transplantation 37. Hemostasis and Blood Coagulation Hemostasis Events Mechanism of Blood Coagulation Conditions That Cause Excessive Bleeding in Humans Thromboembolic Conditions Anticoagulants for Clinical Use Blood Coagulation Tests
UNIT VII: Respiration 38. Pulmonary Ventilation Mechanics of Pulmonary Ventilation Pulmonary Volumes and Capacities Alveolar Ventilation 39. Pulmonary Circulation, Pulmonary Edema, and Pleural Fluid Physiological Anatomy of the Pulmonary Circulatory System Pressures in the Pulmonary Circulatory System Blood Volume of the Lungs Blood Flow Through the Lungs and Its Distribution Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure Gradients in the Lungs on Regional Pulmonary Blood Flow Pulmonary Capillary Dynamics Fluid in the Pleural Cavity 40. Principles of Gas Exchange; Diffusion of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Through Respiratory Membranes Compositions of Alveolar Air and Atmospheric Air Are Different Diffusion of Gases Through the Respiratory Membrane 41. Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Blood and Tissue Fluids Transport of Oxygen From the Lungs to the Body Tissues Transport of CO2 in Blood Respiratory Exchange Ratio 42. Regulation of Respiration Respiratory Center Chemical Control of Respiration Peripheral Chemoreceptor System—Role of Oxygen in Respiratory Control Regulation of Respiration During Exercise 43. Respiratory Insufficiency—Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Oxygen Therapy Methods for Studying Respiratory Abnormalities Pathophysiology of Specific Pulmonary Abnormalities Hypoxia and Oxygen Therapy Hypercapnia—Excess Carbon Dioxide in the Body Fluids Respiratory Resuscitation and Mechanical Ventilators
UNIT VIII: Aviation, Space, and Deep-Sea Diving Physiology 44. Aviation, High Altitude, and Space Physiology Effects of Low Oxygen Pressure on the Body 45. Physiology of Deep-Sea Diving and Other Hyperbaric Conditions Effect of High Partial Pressures of Individual Gases on the Body Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) Diving
UNIT IX: The Nervous System: A. General Principles and Sensory Physiology 46. Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses and Neurotransmitters General Design of the Nervous System Major Levels of Central Nervous System Function Comparison of the Nervous System to a Computer Central Nervous System Synapses Special Characteristics of Synaptic Transmission 47. Sensory Receptors and Neuronal Circuits for Processing Information Types of Sensory Receptors and the Stimuli They Detect Transduction of Sensory Stimuli Into Nerve Impulses Signal Intensity Transmission in Nerve Tracts—Spatial and Temporal Summation Transmission and Processing of Signals in Neuronal Pools Instability and Stability of Neuronal Circuits 48. Somatic Sensations: I. General Organization, Tactile and Position Senses Classification of Somatic Senses Detection and Transmission of Tactile Sensations Sensory Pathways for Transmitting Somatic Signals Into the Central Nervous System Transmission in the Dorsal Column–Medial Lemniscal System Transmission of Sensory Signals in the Anterolateral Pathway 49. Somatic Sensations: II. Pain, Headache, and Thermal Sensations Fast Pain and Slow Pain and Their Qualities Pain Receptors (Nociceptors) and Their Stimulation Dual Pathways for Transmission of Pain Signals Into the Central Nervous System Pain Suppression (Analgesia) System in the Brain and Spinal Cord Referred Pain Visceral Pain Thermal Sensations
UNIT X: The Nervous System: B. The Special Senses 50. The Eye: I. Optics of Vision Physical Principles of Optics Optics of the Eye Fluid System of the Eye—Intraocular Fluid 51. The Eye: II. Receptor and Neural Function of the Retina Anatomy and Function of Structural Elements of the Retina Photochemistry of Vision Color Vision Neural Function of the Retina 52. The Eye: III. Central Neurophysiology of Vision Visual Pathways Organization and Function of the Visual Cortex Neuronal Patterns of Stimulation During Analysis of Visual Images Eye Movements and Their Control Autonomic Control of Accommodation and Pupillary Aperture 53. The Sense of Hearing Tympanic Membrane and the Ossicular System Cochlea Central Auditory Mechanisms 54. The Chemical Senses—Taste and Smell Sense of Taste Sense of Smell
UNIT XI: The Nervous System: C. Motor and Integrative Neurophysiology 55. Spinal Cord Motor Functions; The Cord Reflexes Organization of the Spinal Cord for Motor Functions Muscle Sensory Receptors—Muscle Spindles and Golgi Tendon Organs—Their Roles in Muscle Control Flexor Reflex and the Withdrawal Reflexes Crossed Extensor Reflex Reciprocal Inhibition and Innervation Reflexes of Posture and Locomotion 56. Cortical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function Motor Cortex and Corticospinal Tract Control of Motor Functions By the Brain Stem Vestibular Sensations and Maintenance of Equilibrium 57. Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia Contributions to Overall Motor Control The Cerebellum and Its Motor Functions The Basal Ganglia and Their Motor Functions Integration of the Entire Motor Control System 58. Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory Physiological Anatomy of the Cerebral Cortex Functions of Specific Cortical Areas The Corpus Callosum and Anterior Commissure Thoughts, Consciousness, and Memory 59. The Limbic System and the Hypothalamus—Behavioral and Motivational Mechanisms of the Brain Activating—Driving Systems of the Brain Limbic System The Hypothalamus, a Major Control Headquarters for the Limbic System Functions of Other Parts of the Limbic System 60. States of Brain Activity—Sleep, Brain Waves, Epilepsy, Psychoses, and Dementia Sleep
UNIT XII: Gastrointestinal Physiology 63. General Principles of Gastrointestinal Function—Motility, Nervous and Hormonal Control, Blood Circulation, and Microbiota Gastrointestinal Motility Neural Control—Enteric Nervous System Hormonal Control Gastrointestinal Microbiota 64. Propulsion and Mixing of Food in the Alimentary Tract Ingestion of Food Stomach Movements Small Intestine Movements Colon Movements Autonomic Reflexes Influencing Bowel Activity 65. Secretory Functions of the Alimentary Tract Principles of Secretion Saliva Secretion Gastric Secretion Pancreatic Secretion Bile Secretion by the Liver Small Intestine Secretion Mucus Secretion by the Large Intestine 66. Digestion and Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract Hydrolysis of Foods Gastrointestinal Absorption Principles Absorption in the Small Intestine Absorption in the Large Intestine and Feces Formation 67. Physiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders
UNIT XIII: Metabolism and Temperature Regulation 68. Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Formation of Adenosine Triphosphate 69. Lipid Metabolism 70. Protein Metabolism 71. The Liver 72. Dietary Balances; Regulation of Feeding; Obesity and Starvation; Vitamins and Minerals 73. Energetics and Metabolic Rate 74.Body Temperature Regulation and Fever
UNIT XIV: Endocrinology and Reproduction 75. Introduction to Endocrinology 76. Pituitary Hormones and Their Control By the Hypothalamus 77. Thyroid Metabolic Hormones 78. Adrenocortical Hormones 79. Insulin, Glucagon, and Diabetes Mellitus 80. Parathyroid Hormone, Calcitonin, Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism, Vitamin D, Bone, and Teeth 81. Reproductive and Hormonal Functions of the Male (and Function of the Pineal Gland) 82. Female Physiology Before Pregnancy and Female Hormones 83. Pregnancy and Lactation 84. Fetal and Neonatal Physiology
John E. Hall, PhD, Arther C. Guyton Professor and Chair Department of Physiology and Biophysics Director, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research Director, Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi, USA and Michael E. Hall, MD, MSc., Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases Department of Physiology and Biophysics Patrick H. Lehan Chair of Cardiovascular Diseases Director of Clinical and Population Studies, Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi
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