Textbook of Medical Physiology

Abstract

The eighth edition of the<i>Textbook of Medical Physiology</i>by Arthur C. Guyton, MD, is similar to the seventh edition with few changes or rearrangements. It is shorter by 67 pages (6.6%). The former Unit II discussion of blood cells, immunity, and blood clotting has been moved to Unit VI, where it follows the description of cardiovascular, renal, and acid-base physiology. Chapters 11 and 12, which deal with normal and abnormal electrocardiograms, have been significantly improved. Unit IV, which describes the circulation of blood, has been rearranged and updated. The nervous system material has been rearranged and ends with chapter 61 describing cerebral flow, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain metabolism. Dr Guyton continues to present physiological principles in molecular and physical terms and introduces a new feature—two print sizes. Large print describes fundamental physiological information that medical students need to know. Smaller print represents nonbasic physiological information such as anatomy, chemistry,