Our Marvelous Bodies

GARY F. MERRILL is a professor of cell biology and neuroscience in the Division of Life Sciences at Rutgers University.

• List of FiguresList of TablesPreface1. The FoundationStructure and FunctionHomeostasis, Equilibrium, and the Steady StatePhysiological GradientsPhysiological ReflexesControl Systems AnalysisFeedback and Feedforward2. Understanding the Mammalian Nervous SystemWhat Are Neurons?What Is the Nervous System?Neuron Communication, Electrical and Chemical TransmissionDifferent Neurotransmitters and Their Locations and FunctionsDiscomfort, Pain, and the Nervous SystemMental Activity, Cerebral Blood Flow, and Health of the Nervous System3. The Endocrine System and Physiological CommunicationAdvances in Endocrinology Hormones, Proteins, and PeptidesThe Hypothalamic-Pituitary AxisExcesses and Deficiencies of GH and HealthThe Adrenal Gland and GrowthThe Thyroid Gland4. The Cardiovascular System and the BloodThe Blood The Heart and Cardiac CycleThe Blood VesselsLifestyle and Monitoring Cardiovascular HealthReactive Hyperemia and Blood Flow to Organs and Tissues5. Health and the Respiratory SystemComponenets of the Respiratory SystemPulmonary Ventilation, or Lung Inflation and DeflationRespiration, Exchange, and Transport of Blood GasesCentral and Peripheral Regulation of the Respiratory SystemLungs and Balance of Acids and BasesLifestyle and Care of the Lungs6. Kidneys and Renal PhysiologyFunctional Morphology of the KidneysGlomerular Filtration Rate and UrineRegulation of GFR and RPFREabsorption, Secretion, and the Formation of UrineRenal Health, Hydration, and UrinationDiabetes and Sugar in the Urine7. The Gastrointestinal SystemComponents of the Gastrointestinal (GI) or Enteric SystemMechanics and Reflexes of the GI TractSecretions of the GI TractDigestion of Carbohydrates, Fats, and ProteinsHealth of the Oral Cavity and VocalizationHealth of the GI Tract and Diet8. The Reproductive SystemGametogenesis, Genetic, Gonadal, and Phenotypic SexThe Sexually Indifferent Embryonic GonadSpermatogenesis and the Male Reproductive SystemOogenesis, Folliculogenesis, and the Female Reproductive SystemSexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), Sexual Behavior, and Infertility9. The Immune SystemCellular DefensesChemotaxis, Margination, Diapedesis, and PhagocytosisPorts of Entry for Pathogens and the Reticuloendothelial System (RES)Immunity, Regenerative Medecine, and Stem Cells10. Muscle FunctionMuscle DiversificationExcitation-Contraction Coupling in MuscleCycling of Cross-Bridges and Shortening of SarcomeresMuscle Levers, Hypertrophy, and AtrophyMuscle Diseases and ConditionsExperimenting with Muscle11. Integrated Physiological ResponsesHypovolemic HypotensionBaroreceptor Reflexes and Cardiac OutputVasomotor Responses and Blood PressureRenal Response and the Renin-Angiotensin SystemBlood Flow and Its Distribution and Redistribution during HypotensionLong-Term Responses to Hypotension12. For the RecordBlood Pressure and Your HealthBlood Lipids and Physical ActivityBlood Cells and Good HealthBlood Sugar, Diabetes, and Metabolic SyndromeGlossaryNotes and Suggested ReadingIndex

"Merrill has written a concise yet thorough primier on the physiology of the major human body systems. Highly recommended." (CHOICE) "Using marvelous examples of everyday experience, Merrill effectively illustrates and explains many complex physiological processes. This blending of basic human biology with real-life stories greatly helps us to understand our own bodies-as patients, students, or as health care professionals." - Richard A. Nyhof (professor of Biology, Calvin College) "Merrill's approach to science instruction is a unique one. I found it captivating." - Byron Cryer (University of Texas Southwestern Medical School)