Table of Contents

This chapter explains how scientists think and how they "do" science. It describes how scientific theories develop and how scientists investigate questions to advance scientific knowledge. The chapter also explains how science may be misused and how and why human subjects are protected in scientific research.

This chapter introduces the human species. It identifies traits we share with all other living things and basic principles of biology that apply to us as well as to all other life. The chapter also describes the diversity of species on Earth, similarities we share with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom, and traits that make us unique.

This chapter provides the chemistry background needed to understand the human body, its functions, and its processes. The chapter describes biochemical compounds and reactions as well as the significance of water to life.

This chapter describes nutrients, nutrient needs, and healthy eating to achieve good nutrition. It also discusses eating disorders, problems of obesity and undernutrition, and causes and prevention of foodborne diseases.

This chapter outlines the discovery of cells and cell theory. It identifies ways in which all cells are alike and ways in which they vary. The chapter describes in detail important cell structures and their functions; and it explains how cells obtain energy, grow, and divide.

This chapter contains information on DNA discovery, the central dogma of biology, DNA replication, transcription, and how proteins are synthesized through the process of translation. Additionally, the chapter highlights gene regulation. This chapter also discusses the types of mutations and their causes. The other topics of this chapter include biotechnology and the Human Genome Project.

This chapter introduces two types of cell divisions. First it explains mitosis and then meiosis. This chapter also explains why cells divide and how the divisions are regulated. The errors in division may lead to diseases, such as leukemia.

This chapter provides the molecular background for understanding heredity; explains Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance in humans; some genetic disorders and their treatment, and explores recent advances in genetics.

This chapter outlines how Darwin developed his theory of evolution by natural selection, Wallace's contribution to the theory, and evidence for evolution. The chapter also describes tools for studying evolution, processes of microevolution and macroevolution, and how Earth formed and life first evolved.

This chapter outlines the organization of the human body and describes human cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and body cavities. It also explains how organ systems interact and how feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis in the body.

This chapter describes neurons and other cells of the nervous system and compares and contrasts divisions of the nervous system, including central, peripheral, somatic, and autonomic divisions. The chapter explains how nerve impulses occur and how we sense stimuli. It also describes disorders of the nervous system and the effects of psychoactive drugs on the nervous system.

This chapter describes the endocrine system and its vital roles in communication, control, and homeostasis within the human body. The focus is on the pituitary gland, as the master gland of the endocrine system, and three other endocrine glands: the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and pancreas. The chapter also explains the differing mechanisms of steroid and non-steroid endocrine hormones.

This chapter describes the structure and functions of the epidermis and dermis, hair, and nails. In addition, the chapter outlines types of skin cancer and risk factors for skin cancer.

This chapter describes the structure and functions of the skeletal system and its two major divisions, the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. It details the structure of bone, how bones grow, and how they are remodeled and repaired. The chapter also explains how joints work and how they are classified as well as the causes and effects of major skeletal system disorders.

This chapter describes the structure and functions of the muscular system. It compares and contrasts the three major types of muscle tissue and explains in detail how muscles contract according to the sliding filament theory. The chapter also relates physical exercise to fitness and health and describes several musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.

This chapter describes the structure and function of the respiratory system, including how breathing occurs and what controls it, as well as how the process of gas exchange takes place in the lungs. The chapter also describes several disorders of the respiratory system and details the adverse health effects of smoking.

This chapter provides a detailed description of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. It explains how they function together to transport substances throughout the body and maintain homeostasis. The chapter also describes several diseases of the cardiovascular system and lifestyle choices that can help prevent most of them.

This chapter outlines the structure and function of the gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs of digestion. It explains the processes of peristalsis, mechanical and chemical digestion of food, and absorption of nutrients. The chapter also describes several disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

This chapter discusses the concept of excretion and explains the excretory functions of the skin, liver, large intestine, lungs, and kidneys. It also describes the other organs of the urinary system and several urinary system disorders.

This chapter outlines the layered responses of the human immune system, including both innate and adaptive immune responses. It also describes the structures and functions of the lymphatic system, with a focus on its roles in host defense. In addition, the chapter examines three different types of immune system disorders.

This chapter discusses disease as homeostatic dysfunction and explores causes and types of human diseases, including both infectious diseases and noninfectious diseases. Special emphasis is given to sexually transmitted infections, HIV/AIDS, and cancer.

This chapter outlines the structures and functions of the male and female reproductive systems, explains how fertilization occurs, and discusses the role of the menstrual cycle in female reproduction. The chapter also describes causes of, and treatments for, male and female reproductive system disorders and infertility. In addition, it discusses types of contraception and their effectiveness.

This chapter describes how the human organism grows and develops from fertilization through death. The following stages of life are described in detail: germinal stage, embryonic stage, fetal stage, infancy, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

This chapter introduces the fundamentals of ecology, describes terrestrial and aquatic biomes, and outlines ecosystem processes and their value to humans. The chapter also describes interspecific relationships in communities, how energy flows through ecosystems, and how matter is recycled through ecosystems.

This chapter defines all of the vocabulary terms in the textbook.