
(4th Edition) remains a classic in the field. Published in 2003, this edition is highly regarded for its collaborative approach, with specialists contributing to each physiological system to ensure both accuracy and a "single voice" throughout the text. Key Highlights of the 4th Edition
: While excellent for basic science, some academic reviewers feel that the "applied physiology" sections could be more detailed for medical students specifically. (4th Edition) remains a classic in the field
| Chapter | Core Topic | Key Learning Outcomes | |---------|------------|------------------------| | 1 | | Identify major organelles; explain the relationship between structure and function. | | 2 | Membrane Transport | Distinguish passive vs. active transport; calculate osmotic pressure. | | 3 | Energy Transfer | Outline glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation; relate ATP yield to cellular work. | | 4 | Cell Signaling | Describe ligand‑receptor interactions, second‑messenger pathways, and signal amplification. | | 5 | Nerve Impulse Generation | Explain resting membrane potential, action potential propagation, and refractory periods. | | 6 | Sensory Systems | Summarize transduction mechanisms for vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch. | | 7 | Muscle Physiology | Contrast skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle contraction mechanisms. | | 8 | Cardiovascular Dynamics | Trace blood flow from heart to capillaries; apply Poiseuille’s law to vascular resistance. | | 9 | Respiratory Mechanics | Calculate alveolar ventilation; understand the oxygen–hemoglobin dissociation curve. | | 10 | Renal Function | Follow filtrate through nephron segments; discuss regulation of glomerular filtration rate. | | 11 | GI Tract & Metabolism | Outline digestion, absorption, and hormonal control of glucose homeostasis. | | 12 | Endocrine Integration | Map major endocrine glands and their target organs; discuss feedback loops. | | 13 | Thermoregulation & Fluid Balance | Analyze heat production/ loss; describe mechanisms for maintaining plasma osmolality. | | 14 | Acid–Base Homeostasis | Apply Henderson–Hasselbalch equation; differentiate respiratory vs. metabolic disturbances. | | 15 | Immunology Overview | Identify innate vs. adaptive immunity components; link physiological stressors to immune response. | | 16 | Clinical Correlations | Apply physiological principles to case studies (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart failure). | | Chapter | Core Topic | Key Learning
| Parameter | Normal Adult Range | Unit | |-----------|-------------------|------| | Resting Heart Rate | 60‑100 | beats/min | | Stroke Volume | 60‑100 | mL | | Cardiac Output | 4‑8 | L/min | | MAP (Mean Arterial Pressure) | ≈ 93 | mm Hg | | GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) | 90‑120 | mL/min/1.73 m² | | PaO₂ (arterial) | 80‑100 | mm Hg | | PaCO₂ (arterial) | 35‑45 | mm Hg | | Blood pH | 7.35‑7.45 | – | | Serum Na⁺ | 135‑145 | mmol/L | | Serum K⁺ | 3.5‑5.0 | mmol/L | | Body Temperature (core) | 36.5‑37.5 | °C | | | 3 | Energy Transfer | Outline
A companion Study Guide is also available to help students prepare for exams.
Rhoades, Rodney, and Richard G. Pflanzer. Human Physiology . 4th ed., Thomson/Brooks-Cole, 2003.