Medical Physiology, 2e Updated Edition

Book Preface

We are very grateful for the enthusiastic reception with which the academic community received the fi rst edition of our book. In producing this second edition, three guiding principles have remained the same as before. First, create a modern textbook of physiology that provides the expertise of several authors but the consistency of a single pen. Second, weave an integrative story that extends from the level of DNA and proteins to the level of cells, tissues, and organs, and fi nally to the interaction among organ systems. Third, illustrate important physiological principles with examples from pathophysiology, thereby putting physiology in a clinical context. In addition, we have strived to improve the book along the lines suggested by our readers. Moreover, we have updated the material—refl ecting new molecular insights— as well as the presentation of this material. The result is tw new chapters, new authors for seven chapters, the reordering or reorganization of several chapters, and—throughout the book—countless improvements to the text. In addition, the second edition includes 65 new or redrawn fi gures as well as enhancements to 488 others.

In Section II (The Physiology of Cells and Molecules), fresh insights into genetics led to substantial revisions in Chapter 4 (Regulation of Gene Expression). Moreover, advances in genomics and the understanding of genetic diseases led to the creation of new tables to organize families of transporter proteins in Chapters 5 (Transport of Solutes and Water) and ion channels in Chapter 6 (Electrophysiology of the Cell Membrane).

In Section III (The Nervous System), new molecular developments led to major changes in Chapter 15 (Sensory Transduction). In Section IV (The Cardiovascular System), we have added new Chapter 18 on Blood. In Section V (The Respiratory System), we have shifted some pulmonary function tests into Chapter 26 (Organization of the Respiratory System). In Section VI (The Urinary System), genomic progress led to a new table on amino-acid transporters. In Section VII (The Gastrointestinal System), Chapter 45 (Nutrient Digestion and Absorption) now contains a section on nutritional requirements. In Section VIII (The Endocrine System), we have renamed Chapter 48 to Endocrine Regulation of Growth and Body Mass to refl ect updated coverage of the regulation of appetite. In Section IX (The Reproductive System), we have modifi ed fi gures to clarify mitosis versus meiosis in males versus meiosis in females, as well as to clarify the development of the follicle. Finally, in Section X (The Physiology of Cells and Molecules), we have largely rewritten Chapter 58 (Metabolism), with special emphasis on energy interconversion (e.g., gluconeogenesis); energy capture after ingestion of carbohydrate, protein, or fats; and the integrative response to fasting. Moreover, we have added new Chapter 62 (The Physiology of Aging).

To create the second edition, we recruited as new authors several outstanding scientist-educators: Lloyd Cantley (Chapter 3), Gerald Shulman and Kitt Petersen (Chapter 58),John Stitt (Chapter 59), Arthur DuBois (Chapter 61), and Edward Masoro (Chapter 62). In addition, two previous authors picked up additional chapters: Edward Moczydlowski (Chapter 9) and Steven Segal (Chapter 60).