A firm grasp of the functions of living organisms is one of the most important prerequisites to pharmacy study. The long-awaited second edition of Essentials of Human Physiology presents concepts in physiology in a way that prepares students for their subsequent study of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapeutics. Thoroughly revised and updated, this text maintains the clarity of the first edition, yet provides important new information to give students a solid grounding in some of the most important aspects of pharmacy. As with the first edition, the book begins with an overview of the fundamental aspects of cell membrane physiology with particular emphasis on 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 book then continues with in-depth presentations of the reproductive, muscular, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems. An important focus throughout the text is how tissue and organ function are regulated in order to maintain homeostasis. New in This Edition: · All 19 chapters updated and expanded · Revised and additional subsections of pharmacy applications · New sections on medical terms with pronunciations and definitions · New chapters on the reproductive and immune systems · Additional figures and tables to clarify information . This book was written by Laurie Kelly McCorry, a professor of physiology for eighteen years. Using simple, straightforward language, the text presents the science of physiology clearly so that undergraduate students will understand the relevance of these concepts as they relate to the practice of pharmacy. By studying and mastering the principles in this text, students will develop a secure foundation in human physiology so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges in their pharmacy career.