BOOK REVIEWED - Human Physiology: The Basis of Medicine (2nd edition)

• G. Pocock, , C.D. Richards and & M. de Burgh Daly
• Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004: 714 pp.

0198585276

Why would dentists want to buy a physiology book, and why should they choose this one?

This book is aimed at first and second year medical students (who report that it is useful), although it is suitable for dental and science students. The demand among qualified dentists will be more limited, although it will be useful for those preparing for exams such as the MFD/S.

The content — 31 chapters — is similar to other physiology books. The chapters progress from cellular physiology, through nerve, muscle and the major body systems, to sections on integrated functions (including regulation of growth, blood glucose, acid-base balance and the physiology of exercise). The final chapter on clinical physiology covers ageing and the pathophysiology of heart failure, hypertension, renal failure and liver failure.

On the whole, the content is good, although some topics (eg cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems) are covered in more detail than others. The dental reader will be gratified by the good coverage of salivation, and also by the inclusion of information on trigeminal nerve pathways. The detailed section on neuromuscular transmission does, surprisingly, fail to mention 'botox'. But in spite of this, the content is generally applicable to contemporary practice.

The text is illustrated by numerous diagrams, some of them describing 'classical' physiology. Most of the diagrams are excellent, but some are too small, and because of this the detail is indistinct. This problem is especially evident in diagrams of nerve connections in reflex pathways. There are good pictures illustrating clinical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, although the subjects should have been anonymised.

Text boxes provide useful summaries at the end of each section (students particularly like these features). Some self-test questions (and the answers!) are provided at the end of each chapter. However, other books do this better, often by means of a CD-ROM or accompanying workbook. I found very few typographical and no factual errors. The index is sufficient, but not comprehensive. Although the text uses North American spelling, the book redeems itself by using SI units.

Is it worth buying? Yes, it is. It provides a comprehensive coverage of human physiology at a level that is clinically applicable to the European audience. But if you want zappy goodies, such as CD-ROMs, then you should look elsewhere.