About the Book
A Thoroughly Revised and Updated Edition of an Acclaimed Human Biology Text
Designed for the undergraduate, non-science major, the thoroughly updated eighth edition of Human Biology continues to present the latest information on the structure, function, health, and disease of the human body while maintaining the central organizational theme of homeostasis. This acclaimed text explores the world from the cellular level, followed by a look at tissues and organs, and then moves on to a discussion of human beings as organisms within a complex evolutionary and ecological environment. Dr. Chiras discusses the scientific process in a thought-provoking way that challenges students to become deeper, more critical thinkers. The focus on health and homeostasis allows students to learn key concepts while also assessing their own health needs and learning how to implement a healthy lifestyle.
New to the Eighth Edition:
• Point/Counterpoints on current topics of great interest including vaccination against common diseases, vaccination against human papillomavirus, the safety of genetically modified organisms, and the safety of milk
from cows treated with growth hormone.
• The expanded in-chapter key concepts have moved from the beginning to the end of each section.
• Expanded coverage of all diseases including new information on the causes, treatment, and prevention.
• A reorganized chapter layout so content on the circulatory system and blood are presented before the chapter on nutrition and digestion.
• Information on numerous topics including expanded coverage on nutrition and the importance of plant- based nutrients and plant sources of complete proteins; new information on the functions of the appendix; additional information on the benefits of breastfeeding; and new content on the causes and treatment of acne .
• New topics include primary cilia, hormonal control of hunger, effective treatments for insomnia, use of organs from pigs to repair damaged organs, health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, new information on HIV infections, genetic determination of sex, natural killer cells, and many more!
About the Author
Daniel D. Chiras-Director, The Evergreen Institute, Center for Green Building and Renewable Energy
Dan Chiras, Ph.D. is world-renown educator and author of 30 books on environmental science, natural resource conservation, sustainability, renewable energy, environmental education, and green building. He has taught at the University of Colorado at Denver, University of Denver, University of Colorado in Boulder, University of Washington, and Colorado College. Dan has done pioneering work on critical thinking, sustainability, and the root causes of the environmental crisis. He has been involved in environmental issues since the 1970s. Dr. Chiras is currently founder and director of The Evergreen Institute where he teaches classes on residential renewable energy and green building. Dr. Chiras lives in a state of the art green-built, solar- and wind-powered net zero energy home in Gerald, Missouri
Table of Contents:
Preface • Acknowledgments • About the Author • Study Skills
Part 1: From Molecules to Humankind
Chapter 1: Life in the Balance: Human Health, Homeostasis, Evolution, Science, and Critical Thinking • Health and Homeostasis • What Is Homeostasis? • Healthy Environments • Dimensions of Health • Health and Homeostasis • Evolution and the Characteristics of Life • Common Characteristics of Organisms • What Makes Humans Unique? • Understanding Science • The Scientific Method • What Is a Theory? • Inductive and Deductive Reasoning • Science and Human Values • Critical Thinking • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 1-1: Maintaining Balance: Reducing Stress in Your Life • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 1-1: Debunking the Theory of Spontaneous Generation; Featuring the Work of Aristotle, Redi, and Pasteur • Point/Counterpoint: Controversy Over the Use of Animals in Laboratory Research
Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Life • Atoms and Subatomic Particles • Atoms • The Elements • Isotopes • The Making of a Molecule • Chemical Bonds • Ionic Bonds • Covalent Bonds • Polar Covalent Bonds • Hydrogen Bonds • Organic and Inorganic Compounds • Water, Acids, Bases, and Buffers • Water • The Dissociation of Water • Acids • Maintaining pH: Buffers • Overview of Other Biologically Important Molecules • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 2-1: The Discovery of Radioactive Chemical Markers; Featuring the Work of Schoenheirner • Point/Counterpoint: Controversy Over Food Irradiation
Chapter 3: The Life of the Cell • Microscopes: Illuminating the Structure of Cells • An Overview of Cell Structure • The Nuclear and Cytoplasmic Compartments • The Structure and Function of the Plasma Membrane • The Structure of the Plasma Membrane • Maintaining Homeostasis • Membrane Transport • Diffusion • Carrier Proteins and Diffusion • Active Transport • Endocytosis • Exocytosis • Osmosis • Cellular Compartmentalization: Organelles • The Nucleus • Mitochondria • Protein Production • Endoplasmic Reticulum • Ribosome • The Golgi Complex • Lysosomes • Flagella • Cilia • Ameboid Movement • Energy and Metabolism • Energy Producation in Cells • Cellular Respiration • Glycolysis • The Transition Reaction • The Citric Acid Cycle • The Electron Transport System • Enzymes • Fermentation • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 3-1: The Discovery of Cells: Featuring the Work of Hooke, Leeuwenhoek, Brown, Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow • Point/Counterpoint: Fetal Cell Transplantation
Part 2: Structure and Function of the Human Body
Chapter 4: Principles of Structure and Function • From Cells to Organ Systems • Primary Tissues • Epithelium • The Marriage of Structure and Function • Connective Tissue • Connective Tissue Proper • Adipose Tissue • Specialized Connective Tissue • Muscle Tissue • Nervous Tissue • Organs and Organ Systems • Principles of Homeostasis • Negative Feedback • Sensors and Effectors • Upsetting Homeostasis • Control of Homeostasis • The Link between Health and Homeostasis • Biological Rhythms • Understanding Biological Rhythms • Control of Biological Rhythms • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 4-1: The Truth about Herbal Remedies • health note 4-2: Wide Awake at 3 A.M: Causes and Cures of Insomnia
Chapter 5: The Circulatory System • The Circulatory System’s Function: An Overview • The Heart • The Pulmonary and Systemic Circuits • Heart Valves • Heart Sounds • The Heart’s Pacemaker • Controlling Heart Rate • Measuring the Heart’s Electrical Activity • The Blood Vessels • Arteries and Arterioles • Capillaries • Veins and Venules • The Lymphatic System • Cardiovascular Diseases: Causes and Cures • Myocardial Infarction • Preventing Heart Attacks • Treating Heart Attacks • Cardiac Arrest • High Blood Pressure, Hypertension • Atherosclerosis • Aneurysm • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 5-1: The Circulation of Blood in Animals; Featuring the Work of Harvey and Hales • health note 5-1: Modern Medicine Turns to Leeches
Chapter 6: The Blood • Blood: An Overview • Blood Plasma • Blood as a Transport Medium • Regulating pH and Osmotic Pressure • Transport Molecules • Red Blood Cells • Structure of RBCs • Making New RBCs • Oxygen Transport • Anemia • White Blood Cells • Function of WBCs • Neutrophils • Monocytes • Lymphocytes • Leukemia • Infectious Mononucleosis • Blood Clotting • Platelets • Hemophilia • Blood Types: The Four Blood Types • Blood Transfusion • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge
Chapter 7: Nutrition and Digestion • An Introduction to Nutrition • Macronutrients • Carbohydrates • Lipids • Amino Acids and Protein • Over nutrition • Micronutrients • Vitamins • Minerals • Functional Foods • A Healthy You • The Key to Successful Weight Loss • The Digestive System • The Mouth • The Teeth • The Tongue • Epiglottis • The Esophagus • The Stomach • The Small Intestine • Digestive Enzymes • The Liver • The Intestinal Epithelium • The Large Intestine • Controlling Digestion • Saliva and Salivation • The Gastric Glands • Control of Pancreatic Secretions • Controlling Hunger • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 7-1: Lowering Your Cholesterol • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 7-1: Discovering the Nature of Digestion: Featuring the Work of van Helmont, Beaumont, and Pavlov
Chapter 8: The Vital Exchange: Respiration • Structure of the Human Respiratory System • Anatomy of the Respiratory System • Filtering Incoming Air • Warming and Moistening Incoming Air • The Alveoli • Breathing and the Control of Respiration • Inspiration and Expiration • Measuring Air Flow in the Lungs • Control of Breathing • Gas Exchange in the Lungs • Function of the Alveoli • Diseases of the Respiratory System • Bacterial and Viral Infections • Asthma • Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 8-1: First Aid for Choking That May Save Someone’s Life • health note 8-2: Smoking and Health: The Deadly Connection
Chapter 9: The Urinary System: Ridding the Body of Wastes and Maintaining Homeostasis • Organs of Excretion • The Urinary System • The Anatomy of the Urinary System • The Anatomy of the Kidney • The Nephron • Function of the Urinary System • Blood Filtration in the Kidney • Glomerular Filtration • Tubular Reabsorption • Tubular Secretion • Controlling Urination • Controlling Kidney Function and Maintaining Homeostasis • ADH • Aldosterone • Caffeine • Ethanol • Diseases of the Urinary System • Kidney Stones • Renal Failure • Diabetes Insipidus • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Point/Counterpoint: Prioritizing Medical Expenditure
Chapter 10: The Skeleton and Muscles • Structure and Function of the Human Skeleton • The Skeleton • Compact and Spongy Bone • Meeting New Stresses • The Joints • Repairing Damaged Joints • Arthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Bone Formation • Maintaining Calcium Levels • Repairing Bone Fractures • Osteoporosis • The Skeletal Muscles • Anatomy of a Skeletal Muscle • Muscle Fibers • How Muscle Fibers Contract • ATP and Muscle Contraction • Recruitment • Muscle Tone • Slow- and Fast-Twitch Fibers • Increasing Muscle Size and Endurance • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 10-1: Preventing Osteoporosis: A Prescription for Healthy Bones
Chapter 11: The Nervous System • An Overview of the Nervous System • The Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems • Somatic and Autonomic Divisions of the PNS • Structure and Function of the Neuron • The Structure of the Neuron • The Myelin Sheath • Nerve Cell Repair • Oxygen Sensitivity of Nerve Cells • Nerve Cell Impulses • The Action Potential • Nerve Cell Transmission • Synaptic Transmission • Exciation and Inhibition • Limiting a Neurinal Response • Altering Synaptic Transmission • The Spinal Cord and Nerves • Spinal erves • Sensory and Motor Nerves • Interneurons • Damage to the Spinal Cord • The Brain • Cranial Nerves • The Cerebrum • The Primary Motor Cortex • The Primary Sensory Cortex • The Association Cortex • Unconscious Functions • The Cerebellum • The Thalamus • The Hypothalamus • The Limbic System • The Brain Stem • Cerebrospinal Fluid • Measuring Electrical Activity of the Brain • Headaches • The Autonomic Nervous System • Learning and Memory • Where Are Memories Stored? • How Are Memories Stored? • Maintaining Mental Acuity in Old Age • Diseases of the Brain • Alzheimer’s Disease • Parkinson’s Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Brain Tumors • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 11-1: Recreational Drug Use: Is It a Good Idea? • health note 11-2: Feeling Blue: Understanding and Treating Depression
Chapter 12: The Senses • The General and Special Senses • The General Senses • Naked Nerve Endings • Encapsulated Receptors • Adaptation • Taste and Smell • Taste Buds • Primary Flavors • The Olfactory Epithelium • Smell and Taste • The Visual Sense: The Eye • Anatomy of the Eye • Focusing Light on the Retina • Visual Problems • Hearing and Balance: The Cochlea and Middle Ear • The Anatomy of the Ear • The Eustachian Tube • Structure and Function of the Cochlea • The Vestibular Apparatus • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 12-1: Old and New Treatments for Pain
Chapter 13: The Endocrine System • Principles of Endocrinology • Target Cells • Tropic and Nontropic Hormones • Negative Feedback Control • The Pituitary and Hypothalamus. • The Anterior Pituitary • Growth Hormone • Control of Growth Hormone Section • Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone • The Gonadotropins • Prolactin • The Posterior Pituitary • Antidiuretic Hormone • Oxytocin • The Thyroid Gland • Actions of Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine • Calcitonin • The Parathyroid Glands • The Pancreas • Insulin • Glucagon • Diabetes • Mellitus • Treating Diabetes • The Adrenal Glands • Adrenal Medulla • Adrenal Cortex • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 13-1: Pancreatic Function: Is It Controlled by Nerves or Hormones? Featuring the Work of Bayliss and Starling
Part 3: Immunity and Infectious Diseases
Chapter 14: The Immune System • Viruses and Bacteria: An Introduction • Viruses • Bacteria • Treating Bacterial and Viral Infections • The First and Second Lines of Defense • The First Line of Defense • The Second Line of Defense • The Inflammatory Response • Pyrogens, Interferons, and Complement • The Third Line of Defense: The Immune System • Antigens • Immunocompetence • B Cells and Antibodies • Primary Response • Secondary Response • How Antibodies Work • T Cells • Macrophages and Immunity • Active and Passive Immunity • Developing a Strong Immune System • Tissue Transplantation • Diseases of the Immune System • Allergies • Autoimmune Diseases • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 14-1: Maggots: The Latest in Medical Care? • health note 14-2: Bringing Baby Up Right: The Immunological and Nutritional Benefits of Breast Milk
A Closer Look: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome • The Human Immunodeficiency Virus • Where Did HIV Come From • The Rising Incidence of AIDS • Stages of AIDS • Cancer, Brain Deterioration, and HIV • HIV Transmission • Preventing the Spread of AIDS • Promising Developments • HIV Vaccine
Chapter 15: Human Infectious Disease • The Infectious Agents of Human Disease • Disease-Causing Agents • Viruses and Bacteria • Eukaryotic Pathogens and Parasites • The Course of a Human Disease • Pathogens and Disease • The Signs and Symptoms of Human Disease • The Course of a Disease • How Pathogens cause Disease • Enzymes and Toxins • How Infectious Diseases Are Transmitted • Direct Transmission Methods • Indirect Transmission • Emerging Infectious Diseases and Bioterrorism • Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases • Bioterrorism • Health and Homeostasis-Staying • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 15-1: The Germ Theory of Infectious Disease; Featuring the Work of Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch • health note 15-1: Prisons: Virus- Like Infectious Agents • health note 15-2: Infectious Disease and Biofilms
Part 4: Heredity and Reproduction
Part 16: Chromosomes, Cell Division, and the Cell Cycle • The Cell Cycle • Interphase • Cell Division • The Chromosome • Chromosomal Condensation • Chromatids and Chromosomes • Cell Division: Mitosis and Cytokinesis • Mitosis • Cytokinesis • Control of the Cell Cycle • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 16-1: Unraveling the Structure and Function of DNA; Featuring the Work of Watson, Crick, Wilkins, and Franklin
Chapter 17: Principles of Human Heredity • Meiosis and Gamete Formation • Meiosis I • Meiosis II • Gamete Production • Principles of Heredity: Mendelian Genetics • Blending of Traits • Principle of Segregation • Dominant and Recessive Genes • Genotype and Phenotype • Determining Genotypes and Phenotypes • The Principle of Independent Assortment • Mendelian Genetics in Humans • Autosomal-Recessive Traits • Autosomal-Dominant Traits • Variations in Mendelian Genetics • Incomplete Dominance • Multiple Alleles and Codominance • Polygenic Inheritance • Crossing-Over • The Human Genome Project • Sex-Linked Genes • Determination of Sex • Recessive X-Linked Genes • Dominant X-Linked Genes • Y-Linked Genes • Sex-Influenced Genes • Chromosomal Abnormalities and Genetic Counseling • Defects in Chromosome Structure • Genetic Screening • Mitochondrial DNA Abnormalities • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 17-1: The Causes and Cures of Baldness in Men and Women
Chapter 18: How Genes Work and How Genes Are Controlled • DNA and RNA: Macromolecules with a Mission • DNA Replication • RNA • RNA Synthesis • How Genes Work: Protein Synthesis • Controlling Gene Expression • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World 18-1: Unraveling the Mechanism of Gene Control; Featuring the Work of Jacob and Monod • Point/Counterpoint: Are Current Procedures for Determining Carcinogenesis Valid?
Chapter 19: Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology • Genetic Manipulation: An Overview • Cloning • Recombinant DNA Technology • Removing Genes • Mass Producing Genes • Producing Genes on mRNA • The Polymerase Chain Reaction • Applications of Recombinant DNA Technology • Treating Diseases • Vaccines • Transgenic Organisms • Transgenic Plants • Transgenic Microorganisms • Gene Therapy • Mapping the Human Genome • Controversies over Genetic Engineering-Ethics and Safety Concerns • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Point/Counterpoint: Controversy over Herbicide Resistance Through Genetic Engineering
Chapter 20: Cancer • Benign and Malignant Tumors • Metastasis • How Cancers Form • Mutations and Cancer • Other Causes of Cancer • Epigenetic Carcinogens • Latent Period • Cancer Treatments• Surgery, Chemotherapy, and Radiation • Immunotherapy • New Treatments for Cancer • Microspheres • Attacking a Cancer’s Blood Supply • Attacking Cancer at the Level of the Gene • Treating Cancer with Laser Light • Early Detection • Cancer Prevention • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge
Part 5: Human Reproduction and Development
Chapter 21: Human Reproduction • The Male Reproductive System • The Testes • The Sex Accessory Glands • Prostate Diseases • Sperm Formation • Interstitial Cells • Testosterone • Acne and Testosterone • The Penis • Ejaculation • Hormonal Control of Male Reproduction • The Female Reproductive System .• Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System • The External Genitalia • Sexual Arousal and Orgasm • The Ovaries • The Menstrual Cycle • Hormonal Control of Female Reproduction • Uterine Changes • Effects of Fertilization • Estrogen • Progesterone • Premenstrual Syndrome • Menopause • Birth Control • Contraception • Abstinence and Surgical Sterilization • Hormonal Implants, IUDs, and Birth Control Pills • Barrier Methods: Cervical Caps, Condoms, Diaphragms, and Vaginal Sponges • Withdrawal and the Rhythm Method • Male Contraceptives • Abortion • Infertility • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 21-1: Breast Cancer: Early Detection Is the Key to Survival
A Closer Look: Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Gonorrhea • Syphilis • Chlamydia • Genital Herpes • Genital Warts • Trichomoniasis • Genetically Resistant STDs • Preventing STDs
Chapter 22: Human Development and Aging • Fertilization • Passage through the Female Reproductive Tract • Sperm Mobility • Sperm Penetration • The Block to Polyspermy • Zygote Formation • Pre-Embryonic Development • Implantation • Ectopic Pregnancy • Placental Hormones • The Amnion • Embryonic Development • Fetal Development • The Fetal Circulatory System • Birth Defects • Childbirth and Lactation • Stages of Childbirth • Lactation • Aging and Death • Decline in Cell Number and Cell Function • Healthy Aging • Preventing Diseases of Old Age • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • health note 22-1: Breast Augmentation: Balancing the Benefits and Risks • health note 22-2: Can We Reverse the Process of Aging? • Point/Counterpoint: Physician-Assisted Euthanasia
Part 6: Evolution and Ecology
Chapter 23: Evolution • The Evolution of Life • Chemical Evolution • Evidence for Chemical Evolution Theory • The Panspermia Hypothesis • The First Cells • The Emergence of Eukaryotes • Evolution of Plants and Animals • How Evolution Works • Genetic Variation • Natural Selection • Survival of the Fittest • Jumping Genes and Evolution • The Evidence Supporting Evolution • The Fossil Record • Homologous Structures • Biochemical Similarities • Embryologic Development • Experimental Evidence • Biogeography • Early Primate Evolution • Fossil Evidence • Evolution of the Australopithecines • Evolution of the Genus Homo • Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens • Human Races • Health and Homeostasis • Scientific Discoveries that Changed the World: Debunking the Notion of the Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics • health note: Well Done, Please: The Controversy over Antibiotics in Meat
Chapter 24: Ecology and the Environment • An Introduction to Ecosystems • The Biosphere • Biomes and Aquatic Life Zones • Ecosystems • Habitat • Niche • Ecosystem Function • Producers • Food Chains and Food Webs • Energy and Nutrient Flows • Trophic Levels • Nutrient Cycles • Biological Succession • Overshooting the Earth’s Carrying Capacity • Exceeding the Carrying Capacity • Resources • Pollution • Overpopulation: Problems and Solutions • Where Is Overpopulation Occurring? • Benefits of Reducing Population Growth • Resource Depletion: Eroding the Prospects of All Organisms • Forests • Soil • Water • Oil • Pollution • Global Warming and Climate Change • Impacts of Global Warming • Solutions to Global Warming • Acid Deposition • The Ozone Layer • Health and Homeostasis • Summary • Self-Quiz: Testing Your Knowledge • Point/Counterpoint: Why Worry About Extinction?
Appendix A: Periodic Table of Elements • Appendix B: The Metric System
Glossary • Index
