Essentials of Human Physiology for Pharmacy: (Pharmacy Education Series)

Textbooks on human physiology abound. However, they are either basic in nature or are rigorous treatments written for medical and graduate students and exceed the level of detail that student pharmacists need. Putting important topics right at your fingertips, Essentials of Human Physiology for Pharmacy describes physiology with just the right amount of detail. The book begins with an overview of cell membrane physiology emphasizing nerve cell function. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the two major regulatory systems in the body, the nervous system and the endocrine system. The author provides in-depth discussions of the muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems. She focuses on how tissue and organ function is regulated in order to maintain homeostasis. Underlining the connection between the two disciplines, subsections separate from the actual text relate concepts in physiology to the practice of pharmacy. The clear, concise presentation of important principles and mechanisms, make the book an invaluable resource that you will refer to time and time again.

Table of Contents:
PHYSIOLOGY AND THE CONCEPT OF HOMEOSTASIS Introduction Homeostasis Negative Feedback Plasma Membrane Structure and Composition Function MEMBRANE TRANSPORT Simple Diffusion Osmosis Mediated Transport MEMBRANE POTENTIAL Basic Electrical Concepts Resting Membrane Potential ELECTRICAL SIGNALS Graded Potentials Action Potentials Conduction of the Action Potential SYNAPTIC TRANSMISSION Synapses Neural Integration Possible Drug or Disease Actions at the Synapse THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Introduction Types of Neurons Three Major Levels of CNS Function The Brain THE SPINAL CORD Structure and Composition Reflexes PAIN Nociceptors Types of Pain Pain Pathway Analgesic Pathway Causes of Pain Referred Pain Phantom Pain Headache THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Introduction Sympathetic Division Parasympathetic Division Neurotransmitters of the Autonomic Nervous System Receptors for Autonomic Neurotransmitters Functions of the Autonomic Nervous System Adrenal Medulla THE ENDOCRINE SYSTEM Classification of Hormones Mechanisms of Hormone Function Pituitary Gland Thyroid Gland Parathyroid Glands Adrenal Cortex Pancreas SKELETAL MUSCLE Structure of Skeletal Muscle Mechanism of Contraction Skeletal Muscle Mechanics SMOOTH MUSCLE Structure of Smooth Muscle Mechanism of Contraction Multiunit Smooth Muscle Single-Unit Smooth Muscle Graded Responses and Metabolic Considerations CARDIAC PHYSIOLOGY Blood Vessels Excitation and Conduction in the Heart Electrocardiogram Cardiac Cycle Cardiac Output and Its Regulation THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Introduction Regulation of Arterial Pressure The Venous System Regulation of Blood Flow Through Tissues Capillary Exchange THE BLOOD Plasma Erthrocytes Leukocytes Platelets and Hemostasis THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Blood-Gas Interface Anatomical Considerations Mechanics of Breathing Gas Exchange Ventilation-Perfusion Relationships Gas Transport Regulation of Ventilation THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Digestive Tract Wall Regulation of Gastrointestinal Function Mouth and Pharynx Esopahagus Stomach Small Intestine Large Intestine THE RENAL SYSTEM Anatomical Considerations Basic Renal Processes Plasma Clearance Control of Renal Hemodynamics Control of Sodium and Water Excretion