Human Body (Britannica Educational Publishing)

The seeming simplicity of day-to-day movement can belie the complexity of the structures that facilitate motion. More than just a framework around which the body develops, the human skeleton has evolved over time to allow humans to walk and stand upright. Muscles likewise perform a range of functions, without which the body could not manage. This comprehensive book details the anatomy and mechanisms that allow bones and muscles to operate naturally and examines the consequences of disease and injury on these fundamental components of the human body.

The human eye has been the subject of endless fascination. Indeed, the very nature of sensory perception is shaped by the visual cues the brain receives, thus rendering the eye one of the most crucial elements in our comprehension of the world. The structures and functions of the eye are examined in this exhaustive volume that describes how we are able to process what we observe and react accordingly. Detailed diagrams accompany the text and encourage the reader to consider all aspects of this beautiful and complex area of human anatomy.

So automatic and mechanical is breathing for most of us that we often fail to consider the complexities of respiration. Engaging the lungs, airways, and more, the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide are only the most apparent aspects of a much longer routine. Although vulnerable to various infections and other disorders, the respiratory system by and large continues to function in order to sustain us. This book explores each element involved in this subconscious process and the factors that perpetuate human life.

Necessary for everything from reflexes to reading to running, it's no exaggeration to say that the brain and nervous system are responsible for nearly every endeavor of human activity. The sheer volume of information that the brain must process and respond to at every second of each day renders it one of the most remarkable systems of the human body. With illuminating diagrams and careful detail, this volume covers the amazing intricacies of this vital system as well as the effects of disease and damage.

Though only about the size of a clenched fist, the human heart bears the immense burden of sustaining human life and activity. Functioning to circulate blood throughout the body, the heart is an organ on which all others intimately depend. This volume relates the anatomy of the heart and the effects of the diseases to which it is sometimes prone. Annotated diagrams and illustrations bolster the narrative and highlight significant aspects of cardiology and the incredible cardiovascular system.

The satisfaction derived from savoring a steak or indulging in an ice cream sundae is only one aspect of a larger process that occurs in the human digestive system. From the moment food enters our mouths until long after we have finished a meal, the body engages in an extensive routine designed to retain nutrients and discard waste. This comprehensive book examines all the vital components involved in consuming and digesting food as well as the diseases and disorders that can plague this frequently overlooked area of the human body.

Although its ubiquity in the human body may make it seem unremarkable, simply put, blood makes life possible. It nourishes cells throughout the body and transports carbon dioxide to the lungs. Without it, the body would be unable to fight disease and infection or function at all. Readers are invited to follow the course of this extraordinary fluid as it circulates through the body and learn about its component parts. Detailed diagrams supplement the text and allow readers a glimpse into the anatomy and life sustaining properties of human blood.

Although much is now known about the biology of reproduction, a great deal remains to be discovered about the diseases and disorders that can damage the reproductive system. Ethical concerns surrounding the issues of birth control and abortion have also provoked much discussion in recent times. This comprehensive narrative details both the biological process of procreation and the often divisive debates on how best to approach matters related to the human body.