As in both of the previous editions of the Handbook of Pathophysiology, this edition is based on the premise that understanding physiology—how the body works—is essential to understanding pathophysiology—what happens when things go wrong. My goal in writing this text was and is to provide a clear, accurate, and understandable description of health and disease. It is meant to be succinct and readable and to be useful to students and practitioners at a variety of levels. Throughout this text I have tried to share with readers the wonder and respect for the human body that I have enjoyed since the day I walked into my first physiology course as an undergraduate student. The more I learn about health and disease, the more convinced I am that when well, our bodies function magnificently, and when besieged by illness, gallantly and ferociously. I appreciate the teachers—and the patients—I have had throughout my education and career who have helped me learn this life lesson.
As a physiologist and a nurse, I have taught physiology and pathophysiology to many different groups of undergraduate and graduate students, including nursing and nurse practitioner students, physical therapy students, biology students, physiology and bioengineering graduate students, and medical students. I believe this text can be used as a reference and a resource for learners at all these levels. For health care providers working with patients, and for students in the classroom, this text will keep you informed, answer your questions, and—I hope—stimulate your desire to know more.
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