This text is designed to help students develop a solid, basic understanding of anatomy and physiology without an encyclopedic presentation of detail. Great care has been taken to select important concepts and to perfectly describe the anatomy of cells, organs, and organ systems. The plan that has been followed for eight editions of this text is to combine clear and accurate descriptions of anatomy with precise explanations of how structures function and examples of how they work together to maintain life. To emphasize the concepts of anatomy and physiology, the authors provide explanations of how the systems respond to aging, changes in physical activity, and disease, with a special focus on homeostasis and the regulatory mechanisms that maintain it. Timely and interesting examples demonstrate the application of knowledge in a clinical context.

Researchers and educators agree that it takes more than academic knowledge to be prepared for college–intrapersonal competencies like conscientiousness have been proven to be strong determinants of success. WileyPLUS Learning Space for Anatomy & Physiology helps you identify students’ proficiency early in the semester and intervene as needed. Developed for the two-semester course, Anatomy & Physiology is focused on aiding critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and application of knowledge. Real-life clinical stories allow for a richer investigation of content, ensuring that students understand the relevance to their lives and future careers.