This text begins with aspects of cell and tissue function before proceeding to a consideration of the communication systems of the body including the endocrine and nervous systems. It also concerns the physiology of the main body systems, and ends with a series of short chapters dealing with integrative aspects of physiology such as growth and exercise, and the application of physiological principles to medicine. Specific topics of experimental, clinical or quantitative significance are presented in the form of boxes which stand alone from the core text.