A vital new encyclopedia containing vivid, detailed information that takes you inside the human body to understand its workings.

Table of Contents

Working parts: being human; natural variation; under the microscope; cells; cell structure; cell chemistry; the double helix; tissues; organs and systems; imaging techniques. Moving framework: integumentary system; skin surface; skin features; hair; skeletal system; skull; backbone and ribs; limbs and girdles; hands and feet; bones in evolution; bone structure; growth and repair; joints; joints and movement; muscular system; skeletal muscles; how muscles contract; anatomy and art; movement and posture; muscles and exercise. Control and sensation: nervous system; neurons; synapses; nerves; spinal cord; reflexes; the brain; mapping the brain; cerebral activities; memory and emotions; consciousness and sleep; autonomic nervous system; communication; understanding the mind; touch; smell and taste; hearing; balance; the eye; eye structure; how we see; endocrine system; endocrine glands; pituitary gland; the search for insulin. Supply and maintenance: cardiovascular system; blood; red blood cells; white blood cells; platelets and clotting; blood transfusions; heart; heartbeats; heart problems; blood circulation; blood vessels; pressure and flow; lymphatic and immune systems; lymphoid organs; diseases; non-specific defences; immune system; vaccination for all; immune system disorders; respiratory system; lungs; gas exchange; breathing; the vital flame; making sounds; digestive system; teeth; chewing and swallowing; stomach; small intestine; large intestine; nutrition; the search for vitamins; vitamins and minerals; metabolism; liver; energy balance; urinary system; kidneys; kidney functions; bladder and urination. New generations: reproductive systems; male reproductive system; sperm production; female reproductive system; ovarian and menstrual cycles; conception; fertility; early pregnancy; growing fetus; birth; saving mothers; life story; infancy; childhood; adolescence; adulthood and ageing; human inheritance; chromosomes and genes; chance and heredity; human genome project. The body through time: early humans; the ancient world; Ancient Greece and Rome; Arabic medicine; the Middle Ages; Renaissance discoveries; the scientific age; advances in surgery; microbe hunters; public health; modernizing medicine; alternative therapies; the body today.