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What is A Textbook of Human Physiology (2019)?
A Textbook of Human Physiology is an introductory physiology textbook written by H.S. Ravikumar Patil, H.K. Makari, H. Gurumurthy, and S.V. Sowmya. It provides a structured overview of major human organ systems and is intended primarily for nursing, physiotherapy, biotechnology, and life science students seeking a clear foundation in human physiology.
Introduction
A Textbook of Human Physiology (2019): An Introductory Guide to Human Body Functions
Understanding human physiology is fundamental for anyone pursuing a career in medicine or the health sciences. Whether studying normal organ function, preparing for professional examinations, or building a foundation for clinical practice, learners benefit from a resource that explains physiological principles in a logical and accessible manner.
A Textbook of Human Physiology has been developed to provide an introductory understanding of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of the human body. According to the authors, the book was written to simplify physiology for students who often find the subject filled with unfamiliar terminology and scattered information. Their goal was to present physiological concepts in clear language while maintaining educational value.
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts, the textbook organizes physiology by body systems, allowing readers to study each physiological process within its anatomical and functional context. The authors state that their teaching experience helped shape a text designed to make physiology easier to understand for beginning learners.
The book primarily targets students enrolled in:
- Nursing
- Physiotherapy
- Biotechnology
- Life sciences
- Other allied health science programs
The preface further explains that it is intended as an introductory physiology text written in simple language and a lucid style for paramedical and life science students.
Readers looking for a concise overview of the major physiological systems—including the skeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, and excretory systems—will find that the textbook follows a systematic progression through these topics.
Book Overview
|
Feature |
Details |
|
Full
Title |
A Textbook of Human Physiology |
|
Edition |
2019 Edition |
|
Authors |
H.S. Ravikumar Patil, H.K. Makari,
H. Gurumurthy, S.V. Sowmya |
|
Publisher |
I.K. International Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi |
|
Publication
Year |
2019 |
|
ISBN |
978-93-89633-36-8 |
|
Medical
Specialty |
Human Physiology |
|
Primary
Audience |
Nursing, Physiotherapy,
Biotechnology, Life Science, and Paramedical students |
The cover and introductory pages describe physiology as the science of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of humans. They highlight the importance of understanding processes such as oxygen and nutrient delivery, waste removal, blood pressure regulation, body temperature maintenance, movement, sensation, reproduction, learning, and memory.
The textbook is also described as being "amply illustrated," with illustrations intended to support understanding of physiological concepts.
WHAT THIS BOOK COVERS
The early chapters emphasize the relationship between anatomy and physiology, helping readers understand how body structures support normal physiological function.
1. Skeletal System
The opening chapter introduces the skeletal system and examines its organization, composition, and physiological functions.
Major topics listed include:
- Structure of the skeletal system
- Types of skeleton
- Bone
- Cartilage
- Joints
- Muscular system
- Types of muscles
- Muscle contraction
- Red and white muscle fibers
Within the skeletal chapter, the textbook discusses subjects such as:
- Axial and appendicular skeleton
- Skull
- Vertebral column
- Rib cage
- Upper and lower limbs
- Bone structure
- Bone cells
- Cartilage
- Joint classification
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Skeletal muscles
Illustrations accompany many of these topics to demonstrate anatomical structures and physiological relationships.
2. Nervous System
The second major section focuses on the nervous system.
According to the contents, this chapter includes:
- Introduction
- Structure of neurons
- Physiological types of neurons
- Properties of nervous tissue
- Stimulus
- Conduction of nerve impulses
- Central nervous system
- Peripheral nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Reflex action
- Special senses
This organization allows readers to move from cellular neurophysiology toward integrated nervous system function.
3. Respiratory System
The respiratory physiology section covers the anatomical components involved in ventilation together with physiological mechanisms responsible for gas exchange.
Topics listed include:
- Nose
- Larynx
- Trachea
- Bronchi
- Lungs
- Respiratory muscles
- Mechanism of breathing
- Thoracic cavity capacity
- Gas exchange
- Partial pressure
- Transport of respiratory gases
- Artificial respiration
- Respiratory adjustments during exercise
- Respiratory quotient
- Respiratory disorders
The progression suggests that both anatomy and respiratory physiology are addressed together.
4. Circulatory System
The circulatory system chapter introduces several core physiological topics, including:
- Blood
- Heart
- Blood vessels
- Lymphatic system
- Immunity
These subjects provide an overview of cardiovascular physiology together with immune-related components included in the circulatory system section.
5. Endocrine System
The endocrine chapter examines hormone-producing glands and their physiological roles.
The listed topics include:
- Endocrine system overview
- Hormone mechanisms of action
- Pituitary gland
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid gland
- Pancreas
- Adrenal gland
- Sex glands
- Gastrointestinal mucosa
- Thymus gland
- Pineal gland
- Hypersecretion and hyposecretion
This structure provides readers with an introduction to endocrine regulation across multiple organ systems.
6. Reproductive System
The textbook includes a dedicated chapter on the physiology of the human reproductive system. According to the table of contents, this section introduces both male and female reproductive physiology before discussing fertility and assisted reproductive techniques.
Major topics include:
- Introduction to the reproductive system
- Physiology of the male reproductive system
- Physiology of the female reproductive system
- Factors influencing fertility
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
This organization provides readers with an overview of normal reproductive physiology and selected aspects of human fertility.
7. Digestive System
The digestive system chapter focuses on the anatomy and physiology involved in digestion, nutrient absorption, and digestive organ function.
Topics listed in the contents include:
- Overview of the digestive system
- Parts of the digestive tract
- Functions of digestive glands
- Physiology of digestion and absorption
- Mouth
- Oropharynx
- Esophagus
- Stomach
- Small intestine
- Large intestine
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Gall bladder
- Energy requirements of the body
The progression from anatomy to digestive physiology allows readers to understand how nutrients are processed and absorbed while introducing the roles of accessory digestive organs.
8. Excretory System
The final major section presented in the table of contents covers urinary physiology and excretory mechanisms.
Topics include:
- Introduction
- Organs of excretion
- Methods of excretion
- Parts of the urinary system
- Structure of the nephron
- Functions of the kidney
- Physiology of urine formation
- Urine composition
- Regulation of urine production
Together, these topics introduce renal physiology from anatomical organization through the physiological regulation of urine formation.
Key Features
- Covers the major physiological systems of the human body in a logical sequence.
- Written as an introductory physiology textbook for undergraduate learners.
- Uses straightforward language intended to simplify physiological concepts for beginners.
- Includes numerous illustrations and diagrams to support learning.
- Organizes physiology by body systems, making navigation easier.
- Integrates structural anatomy with physiological function throughout the chapters. This is evident in the opening chapter, where skeletal anatomy is discussed alongside bone physiology, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscle.
- Includes descriptions of normal physiological processes rather than focusing on disease management.
Who Should Read This Book?
According to the authors and publisher information provided in the uploaded source, the textbook is primarily intended for:
Nursing Students
Students studying general nursing or related nursing programs can use the book as an introductory physiology reference.
Physiotherapy Students
The publisher specifically identifies physiotherapy students among the intended audience.
Biotechnology Students
The authors are affiliated with biotechnology departments, and the cover specifically mentions biotechnology engineering students as intended readers.
Life Science Students
The preface explains that the textbook was written for life science students seeking an accessible introduction to physiology.
Paramedical Students
The preface also states that the book aims to meet the needs of paramedical students.
Medical Educators
Educators teaching introductory physiology courses may find the system-based organization useful for foundational instruction. This is an inference based on the textbook's educational structure rather than an explicit statement by the authors.
Why This Book Is Useful
1. Simplifies Physiological Concepts
The authors explain that the book was written because students often become overwhelmed by complex terminology and fragmented information. Their goal was to present physiology in a simpler, more understandable format.
2. Organized by Organ Systems
The content follows a body-system approach, beginning with foundational structures and progressing through major physiological systems. This organization helps learners study one physiological system at a time.
3. Combines Structure and Function
Throughout the textbook, anatomical descriptions are integrated with physiological explanations. For example, the skeletal chapter discusses bone anatomy together with functions, bone tissue, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
4. Illustration-Based Learning
The textbook contains numerous labeled figures illustrating bones, joints, vertebrae, muscles, cartilage, and other anatomical structures that support understanding of physiological concepts.
5. Introductory Educational Resource
Rather than presenting advanced subspecialty physiology, the book introduces core concepts that can support subsequent study in anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. This characterization is consistent with the authors' description of the book as an introductory text.
Table of Contents Overview
The textbook is organized into eight principal sections:
- Skeletal System
- Nervous System
- Respiratory System
- Circulatory System
- Endocrine System
- Reproductive System
- Digestive System
- Excretory System
Within these chapters, readers encounter topics such as:
- Bone and cartilage
- Muscles
- Neurons and nerve conduction
- Special senses
- Breathing physiology
- Blood and heart
- Hormones and endocrine glands
- Human reproduction
- Digestion and absorption
- Kidney physiology
- Urine formation
Strengths of the Book
Clear introductory focus
The authors explicitly state that the textbook was written to simplify physiology for beginning learners and present concepts in an accessible manner.
Logical organization
The progression from one body system to another provides a structured learning pathway for students studying normal human physiology.
Extensive illustrations
Numerous diagrams throughout the chapters support visual learning of anatomical structures related to physiological function.
Broad physiological coverage
The contents span multiple organ systems, providing readers with a general foundation across the major areas of human physiology.
Student-oriented writing
According to the preface, the book was designed using the authors' teaching experience to make physiology easier to understand.
Limitations
- The textbook is presented as an introductory physiology text and therefore may not provide the level of detail expected in advanced medical physiology references. This is supported by the authors' description of the work as an introductory text.
- The uploaded front matter does not indicate that the book includes clinical case discussions, self-assessment questions, or online supplementary resources. Because these features are not described in the available source, their presence cannot be confirmed.
- The publication year is 2019, so readers should consult current clinical guidelines and recent physiology literature for areas where scientific understanding or educational recommendations may have evolved. This observation is based on the publication information rather than the textbook's content.
Comparison With Similar Books
From its stated objectives and organization, it appears to serve as an introductory physiology textbook intended for allied health and life science education rather than an advanced medical physiology reference.
A Textbook of Human Physiology (2019)
Or: Link 2
FAQs
A Textbook of Human Physiology is an introductory physiology textbook that explains the normal functions of the human body through a system-based approach. According to the uploaded source, it covers the skeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, and excretory systems.
The preface states that the book is intended primarily for students of nursing, physiotherapy, biotechnology, life sciences, and other paramedical disciplines who require an accessible introduction to human physiology.
According to the table of contents, the textbook includes chapters on:
- Skeletal System
- Nervous System
- Respiratory System
- Circulatory System
- Endocrine System
- Reproductive System
- Digestive System
- Excretory System
Yes. The cover and introductory material describe the textbook as being amply illustrated, and the chapters include numerous labeled anatomical and physiological figures that support learning.
Yes. The first chapter covers the skeletal system, including bone structure, cartilage, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, muscle contraction, and muscle fiber types.
The uploaded source describes the work as an introductory physiology textbook written in simple language for undergraduate learners. It does not describe itself as an advanced or specialist reference.
The textbook is authored by H.S. Ravikumar Patil, H.K. Makari, H. Gurumurthy, and S.V. Sowmya.
The authors explain that the book aims to simplify the study of physiology by presenting physiological concepts in a clear, organized, and student-friendly manner while covering the major human body systems.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on A Textbook of Human Physiology
A Textbook of Human Physiology (2019) provides a structured introduction to the normal physiological functions of the human body through a body-system approach. According to the uploaded source, it was developed to help students understand physiology using straightforward language, logical organization, and illustrative figures.
The textbook progresses from the skeletal system to the nervous, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, reproductive, digestive, and excretory systems, offering readers a broad overview of essential physiological concepts.
Throughout the chapters, anatomy is closely linked with physiological function, helping learners build a solid conceptual foundation.
This book is particularly suitable for nursing, physiotherapy, biotechnology, life science, and paramedical students seeking an introductory physiology resource. Readers looking for highly specialized or advanced physiology content should note that the authors present it as an introductory textbook.
Overall, A Textbook of Human Physiology serves as a useful educational resource for understanding the fundamental principles of human physiology and can provide a solid starting point before progressing to more advanced study.
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