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Human Anatomy, 6/e
Kent Van De Graaff, Weber State University


Preface

Human Anatomy was written to serve as a foundation and resource for students pursuing health-related careers in fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, physician assistant, podiatry, optometry, chiropractic, medical technology, physical therapy, athletic training, massage therapy, and other health-related professions. Created to accompany the one-semester human anatomy course, this text presents a basic introduction to human anatomy for students enrolled in medical, allied-health, and physical education programs, or for those majoring in biological science. The focus of Human Anatomy is to provide applicable knowledge of the structure of the human body and foundation information for understanding physiology, cell biology, developmental biology, histology, and genetics. Practical information is presented in this text that will enable students to apply pertinent facts to the real-world situations they might encounter in their chosen profession.

Many changes have been made in the sixth edition of Human Anatomy to provide students with a high-quality text for their course of study. Because human anatomy is such a visual science, many refinements and additions have been made in a continuing effort to provide an effective art program. Many new illustrations, radiographs, and photographs (including images of cadaver dissections) make this text even more useful. Strengthening clinical aspects of the text has been another major focus in the sixth edition. Additional Clinical Practicums have been added at the ends of the chapters throughout the text. These case studies and their accompanying images test student knowledge and demonstrate the application of anatomical knowledge in a clinical setting. A final task in creating the sixth edition of Human Anatomy has been to revise the content for currentness and accuracy. In keeping with the pace of research, updated information is presented on the history of current human genome research, the structure of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, fetal tissue, and the classification of hair. The comprehensive nature of the sixth edition of this text and its current clinical information enable it to be used as a valuable reference resource regarding the structure, function, development, senescence, and possible dysfunctions of the human body.

OBJECTIVES In preparing and updating a text and its ancillaries (web site, laboratory manual, instructor's manual, test bank, and so forth), it is essential to consider both the needs of the student and the needs of the instructor. A well-written and inviting text is at the heart of an effective educational package. With this in mind, the following objectives were formulated for the sixth edition of Human Anatomy:
    • To provide a text that is inviting and attractive--a text that is readable and informative with accurate, up-to-date information of practical concern. Human Anatomy aims to entice readers to study the material and thereby enhance their appreciation of life through a better understanding of the structure, function, and magnificence of their own bodies.
    • To provide a conceptual framework of learning through the use of concise concept statements, learning objectives, and unit review questions.
    • To express the beauty of the body through spectacular art that is anatomically accurate. Anatomy is a visual science where exactness is essential. The numerous high-quality illustrations prepared expressly for this edition augment the acclaimed art program of the previous editions.
    • To stimulate student interest in anatomy and related subjects through a series of thematic commentaries, highlighted by topic icons.
    • To provide a systematic, balanced presentation of anatomical concepts at the developmental, cellular, histological, clinical, and gross anatomy levels.
    • To build students' technical vocabularies to the point where they feel comfortable with basic medical terminology, enabling them to become conversant with health-care providers and understand current medical literature.
    • To encourage proper care of the body in order to enjoy a healthier, more productive life, and to provide a foundation of knowledge students can share to help enrich the lives of others.
    • To acquaint students with the history of anatomy, from its primitive beginnings to recent advances in the field. Only with the realization of how long it took to build up knowledge that is now taken for granted, and with what difficulty, can students appreciate the science of anatomy in its proper proportion.
TEXT ORGANIZATION The 22 chapters in this text are grouped into seven units that are identified by colored tabs on the outside page margins.

Unit 1: Historical Perspective
In this unit, the stage is set for studying human anatomy by providing a historical perspective on how this science has developed over the centuries. Anatomy is an exciting and dynamic science that remains vital as it continues to broaden its scope. It is hoped that this unit will make the reader feel a part of the heritage of human anatomy.

Unit 2: Terminology, Organization, and the Human Organism
In this unit, the anatomical characteristics that define humans as a distinct species are described. The various levels of organization of the human body are also described, and the basic terminology necessary for understanding the structure and functioning of the body is introduced.

Unit 3: Microscopic Structure of the Body
The microscopic aspect of body organization is considered at the cellular and histological levels in this unit. Cellular chemistry is emphasized as an integral aspect of learning about how the body functions.

Unit 4: Support and Movement
Support, protection, and movement of the human body are the themes of this unit. The integumentary system provides the body with external support and protection, and the skeletal system provides internal support and protection for certain organs of the body. Movement is possible at the joints of the skeleton as the associated skeletal muscles are contracted. Surface anatomy and regional anatomy are given detailed coverage in chapter 10 of this unit. Atlas-quality photographs of dissections of human cadavers are included in this chapter.

Unit 5: Integration and Coordination
This unit includes chapters on the nervous system, endocrine system, and sensory organs. The concepts identified and discussed in these chapters are concerned with the integration and coordination of body functions and the perception of environmental stimuli.

Unit 6: Maintenance of the Body
In this unit, the structure and function of the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems are discussed as they contribute in their individual ways to the overall functioning and general welfare of the organism. All of these systems work together in maintaining a stable internal environment in which the cells of the body can thrive on a day-to-day basis.

Unit 7: Reproduction and Development
The male and female reproductive systems are described in this unit, and the continuance of the human species through sexual reproduction is discussed. Unit VII provides an overview of the entire sequence of human life, including prenatal development and postnatal growth, development, and aging. Basic concepts of genetics and inheritance are also explained.