Physiology by Numbers An Encouragement to Quantitative Thinking [Hardcover]

This book explains physiological concepts through the use of simple calculations and accessible language.Physiology is a subject full of values: ion concentrations, cardiac output, blood pressures, lung volumes etc. In order to understand physiological concepts properly the student (and teacher) needs to think quantitatively. This book encourages the reader to do just that--through the presentation of calculations which require only simple arithmetic to resolve and a lively, accessible writing style and presentation. Error avoidance and the usefulness of 'back-of-envelope' calculation are emphasised. This book will be welcomed by number-shy (and not-so-shy) biologists everywhere.Physiology is a subject full of values: ion concentrations, cardiac output, blood pressures, lung volumes etc. In order to understand physiological concepts properly the student (and teacher) needs to think quantitatively. This book encourages the reader to do just that--through the presentation of calculations which require only simple arithmetic to resolve and a lively, accessible writing style and presentation. Error avoidance and the usefulness of 'back-of-envelope' calculation are emphasised. This book will be welcomed by number-shy (and not-so-shy) biologists everywhere.Thinking quantitatively about physiology is difficult for many students. However, it is fundamentally important for students to gain a proper understanding of many of the concepts involved. In this enlarged second edition of his popular textbook, Richard Burton gives the reader an opportunity to develop a feel for values such as ion concentrations, lung and fluid volumes, and blood pressures through the use of calculations requiring little more than simple arithmetic. The book provides guidance on how to avoid errors and the usefulness of approximation and back-of-envelope sums. The topics discussed here include energy metabolism, nerve and muscle, blood and the cardiovascular system, respiration, renal function, bodylóG