The 13th edition of Guyton and Hall's Medical Physiology continues the long tradition of being the most popular physiology textbook worldwide. Unlike other texts in the field, this guide articulates complex concepts in language that is easy and understandable.

PART I Introduction to physiology: the cell and general physiology

CHAPTER 1 Functional organization of the human body and the regulation of the "internal environment"
Cells are living units of the organism
Extracellular fluid – "The internal environment"
Homeostasis - Maintenance of an almost constant internal environment
Regulatory systems of the human body
Summary – The automation of the organism

CHAPTER 2 The cell and its functions
The organization of the cell
The physical structure of the cell
Comparison of the animal cell with prokaryotic life forms
The functional systems of the cell
Cellular movement

CHAPTER 3 Genetic control of protein synthesis, cellular function, and cell reproduction
Genes in the nucleus of the cell regulate protein synthesis
The DNA code in the nucleus is transferred to RNA code in the cell cytoplasm – The process of transcription
Synthesis of other substances within the cell
Control of gene function and biochemical activity in cells
The genetic system of DNA controls cell reproduction
Cell differentiation
Apoptosis – Programmed cell death
Cancer

PART II The physiology of the cell membrane, nerves, and muscles

CHAPTER 4 Ion and molecule transport across the cell membrane
The cell membrane consists of a lipid bilayer with transport proteins
Diffusion
"Active transport" of substances across membranes

CHAPTER 5 Membrane potentials and energy potentials
Physical principles of membrane potentials
Measurement of membrane potential
Resting membrane potential of neurons
Energy potential of the neuron
Conduction of energy potential
Restoration of the sodium and potassium ion concentration gradient after the completion of energy potential – The significance of energy metabolism
The appearance of "action potential" (plateau) in certain energy potentials
Rhythmicity of specific excitable tissues – Repetitive discharge
Particularities of impulse transmission in nerve pathways

CHAPTER 6 Contraction of skeletal muscle
Structure and function of skeletal muscle
The general mechanism of muscle contraction
The molecular mechanism of muscle contraction
Energetic characteristics of muscle contraction
Characteristics of contraction of the entire muscle

CHAPTER 7 Stimulation of skeletal muscle: Neuro-muscular transmission and coupling of excitation-contraction
Impulse transmission from nerve endings to skeletal muscle fibers: the neuromuscular junction
Energy potential of muscle fibers
Coupling of excitation-contraction

CHAPTER 8 Stimulation and contraction of smooth muscle
Contraction of smooth muscles
Regulation of contraction by calcium ions
Neural and hormonal control of smooth muscle contraction

PART III The heart

CHAPTER 9 Myocardium. The function of the heart as a pump and the function of heart valves
Physiology of the myocardium
The heartbeat/cycle
The regulation of the pumping function of the heart

CHAPTER 10 Rhythmic stimulation of the heart
The specialized conduction and pacing system in the heart
Regulation of stimulation and conduction of excitation in the heart

CHAPTER 11 The normal electrocardiogram
The characteristics of the normal ECG
Flow of electric current around the heart during the cardiac cycle
Electrocardiographic leads
Methods of recording ECG

CHAPTER 12 The electrocardiographic interpretation of myocardial disorders and coronary circulation: The vector analysis of the ECG
Principles of vector analysis of the ECG
Vector analysis of the normal ECG
Mean electrical axis of the ventricular QRS – Its significance
Conditions that cause abnormal electrical tensions in the QRS complex
Prolonged and paradoxical forms of the QRS complex
Current of injury
Disorders of the T wave

CHAPTER 13 Cardiac arrhythmias and their electrocardiographic interpretation
Pathologic sinus rhythms
Pathologic rhythms due to conduction block in the heart's conduction system
Early contractions
Paroxysmal tachycardia
Ventricular fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial flutter
Cardiac arrest

PART IV The circulation of blood

CHAPTER 14 Overview of the circulatory system. Elements of medical physics for pressure, flow, and resistance
Physical characteristics of circulation
Basic theory of the function of the circulatory system
Relations between pressure, flow, and resistance

CHAPTER 15 The compliance of blood vessels and the functions of the arterial and venous systems
Compliance of blood vessels
Arterial pulse
Veins and their functions

CHAPTER 16 Microcirculation and the lymphatic system: The exchange of fluids in the capillaries, interstitial fluid, and lymph flow
The structure of microcirculation and the capillary system
Blood flow in capillaries – Angiokinesis
The exchange of nutrients, water, and other substances between blood and interstitial fluid
Interstitial space and interstitial fluid
The filtration of fluid along capillaries is determined by hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressure, as well as by the coefficient of capillary filtration
Lymphatic system

CHAPTER 17 Local and chemical regulation of perfusion by tissues
Local regulation of perfusion according to tissue needs
Mechanisms of regulating perfusion
Chemical regulation of circulation

CHAPTER 18 The neurogenic regulation of circulation and the rapid regulation of arterial pressure
Neurogenic regulation of circulation
Specific characteristics of neural regulation of arterial pressure

CHAPTER 19 The role of the kidneys in long-term regulation of arterial pressure and hypertension: An integrated system for the regulation of arterial pressure
Kidney-body fluid system for the regulation of arterial pressure
Renin-angiotensin system: its role in regulating arterial pressure and hypertension
Summary of the integrated, multipoint system for the regulation of arterial pressure

CHAPTER 20 Cardiac output, venous return, and their regulation
Physiological values of cardiac output at rest and during muscular activity
Regulation of cardiac output by venous return – The role of the Frank-Starling mechanism of the heart
Methods for measuring cardiac output

CHAPTER 21 Muscle perfusion and cardiac output during physical exercise; Coronary circulation and ischemic heart disease
Perfusion of skeletal muscles and its regulation during physical exercise
Coronary circulation

CHAPTER 22 Heart failure
Dynamics of circulation in heart failure
Left heart failure
Low cardiac output failure – Cardiogenic shock
Edema in patients with heart failure
Cardiac reserve

CHAPTER 23 Heart valves and heart sounds; dynamics of valvular and congenital heart disorders
Heart sounds
Pathological dynamics of circulation in valvular heart disease
Pathological dynamics of circulation in congenital heart diseases
Application of extracorporeal circulation during cardiac procedures
Hypertrophy of the heart in valvular and congenital heart diseases

CHAPTER 24 Circulatory shock and the physiology of its treatment
Physiological causes of shock
Shock due to hypovolemia – Hemorrhagic shock
Neurogenic shock – Increased intravascular capacity
Anaphylactic shock and histaminic shock
Septic shock
Physiology of the therapeutic management of shock

PART V Kidneys and body fluids

CHAPTER 25 Compartments of body fluids: Extracellular and intracellular fluids; Edema
Fluid intake and output are in balance under steady-state conditions
Compartments of body fluids
Components of extracellular and intracellular fluid
Measurement of fluid volume in various compartments – The dilution indicator method
Determination of volume in specific compartments of body fluids
Regulation of fluid exchange and osmotic balances between intracellular and extracellular fluid
Volumes and osmoticities of extracellular and intracellular fluid in pathological conditions
Solutions of glucose and other substances administered for nutritional reasons
Clinical disorders of fluid volume regulation: hyponatremia and hypernatremia
Edema: Excess fluid in tissues
Fluids in "potential spaces" of the body

CHAPTER 26 The urinary system: Functional anatomy and production of urine by the