Physiology by Numbers: An Encouragement to Quantitative Thinking

by RichardF.Burton (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.24

  Students of physiology are faced with more quantitative information such as ion concentrations, fluid volumes and blood pressures than ever before. Here, using simple calculations, the reader has an opportunity to develop a feel for such figures, give them meaning, and above all to derive fresh insights from them. These calculations are neither brain-teasers nor mere practical exercises, and require little more than easy arithmetic. Guidance is also given on the tricks of approximation and back-of-envelope arithmetic and on coping with the varied systems of units that encumber physiology. The main areas covered are energy metabolism, nerve and muscle, blood and the cardiovascular system, respiration, renal function, body fluids and acid-base balance. The book is intended as supplementary reading for students of physiology at any level, including graduates who seek new slants on the subject.

• New

  Paperback
  2000

  $56.40

  Thinking quantitatively about physiology is something many students find difficult. However, it is fundamentally important to a proper understanding of many of the concepts involved. In this enlarged second edition of his popular textbook, Richard Burton gives the reader the opportunity to develop a feel for values such as ion concentrations, lung and fluid volumes, blood pressures etc. through the use of calculations which require little more than simple arithmetic for their solution. Much guidance is given on how to avoid errors and the usefulness of approximation and 'back-of-envelope sums'. Energy metabolism, nerve and muscle, blood and the cardiovascular system, respiration, renal function, body fluids and acid-base balance are all covered, making this book essential reading for students (and teachers) of physiology everywhere, both those who shy away from numbers and those who revel in them.