Medical Physiology A Cellular and Molecular Approach Updated 2nd Edition

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 finally
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—reflecting
new molecular insights—as well as the presentation of this material. The result is
two 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 figures 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 reflect updated coverage of the regulation of appetite. In Section IX
(The Reproductive System), we have modified figures 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).
Online Access. The Web site www.StudentConsult.comoffers the reader access
to the online edition of the textbook, with the ability to search, bookmark, post
notes, download highlighted text to a handheld device, access all of the images in
the book, and more. The hundreds of hyperlinked notes in the text direct the reader
to “webnotes” that like-wise are available on the Student Consult website. These
webnotes provide derivations of mathematical equations, amplification of
concepts, supplementary details, additional clinical illustrations, and links that may
be of interest (e.g., biographies of famous physiologists).