Scientific American Investigates the Human Body

The brain powers the nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal column, and nerves found throughout the body. This vital system makes all activities, from eating and sleeping to laughing and remembering, possible. In this informative volume, readers learn about the amazing brain and its ability to do many tasks at once, including storing memories! Accessible main text, fact boxes, and sidebars detail the processes of the nervous system as well as illnesses that can damage it. Full-color photographs and diagrams aid readers' understanding of these essential body parts.

The framework of the body is the skeleton. Its bones protect the body, but also produce blood cells and even act as storehouses for minerals the body may need in the future. In this informative volume, readers are guided through the skeletal system of the human body, including information about diseases, disorders, and injuries that can damage it. Tips on keeping bones healthy is also part of the text. Full-color photographs and diagrams aid readers' understanding of the system while sidebars and fact boxes engage readers with important science concepts and vocabulary.

The air that enters our lungs when we breathe in contains oxygen, which our bodies need to help turn food into energy. When we breathe out, carbon dioxide is removed from the body as a waste product. In this informative book, readers learn how the respiratory system works as well as its parts and their structure. The main content, sidebars, and fact boxes explain the science in accessible language and age-appropriate detail as well as cover illnesses that can damage the system and how to maintain healthy lungs. Full-color photographs and diagrams aid readers' understanding.

From the eyes to the toes, muscles are found throughout the body, enabling us to move! They help us grab, lift, push, pull, swing, twist, and generally help us get things done every day. Some muscles do their work without us thinking about it at all-and that keeps us alive. Others need us to think about movement. This informative book details the kinds of muscles, how they work, and much more in easy-to-read text. Full-color photographs and diagrams aid readers' understanding of how this vital system works. Sidebars and fact boxes add additional information and tips to keep the muscles healthy.

The circulatory system has an important job: delivering oxygen from the lungs to the cells and organs of the rest of the body, as well as remove waste products. The system is huge! The heart pumps blood constantly through 60,000 miles of blood vessels. In this informative book, readers explore the heart, blood, and blood vessels that make up the circulatory system. Full-color photographs as well as diagrams aid readers' understanding of how the system works. Information about disorders and diseases of the circulatory system, as well as tips on how to keep the system healthy give readers a real-life perspective on this important system in their body.

The digestive system takes the nutrients in food to fuel the processes that keep our bodies alive and working well! In addition, it helps the body eliminate waste products. In this informative volume, readers learn the steps of digestion through understandable text and illustrative diagrams. The main content also covers the importance of good nutrition and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Sidebars and fact boxes support the text by further explaining science concepts and terms.