Cells are the smallest units capable of sustaining life, and they make up virtually every aspect of the human body. From the strands of hair at the top of the head to the nails on fingers and toes, every structure of the human body is composed of cells. Groups of cells form tissues and organs, which allow the body to function as an organized system. Skin, the body’s largest organ, forms a waterproof barrier that provides protection against invading microorganisms and acts as a sensory and thermoregulatory structure. Cells, Tissues, and Skin, Third Edition explores the properties of...

Composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, the circulatory system delivers oxygen and nutrients to every tissue in the body. At the center of this incredibly complex system is the heart, a strong muscle that continuously pumps blood throughout the body. Striving to promote a basic understanding of the fundamental physical and biological principles underlying circulatory functions, The Circulatory System, Third Edition describes the anatomical features of the system and examines how it responds to a broad range of challenges, such as increased activity, the microgravity of...