Physics of the Human Body

by Richard P. McCall

Overview

Richard P. McCall's fascinating book explains how basic concepts of physics apply to the fundamental activities and responses of the human body, a veritable physics laboratory.

Blood pumping through our veins is a vital example of Poiseuille flow; the act of running requires friction to propel the runner forward; and the quality of our eyesight demonstrates how properties of light enable us to correct near- and far-sightedness.

Each chapter discusses a fundamental physics concept and relates it to the anatomy and physiology of applicable parts of the body. Topics include motion, fluids and pressure, temperature and heat, speech and hearing, electrical behaviors, optics, biological effects of radiation, and drug concentrations. Clear and compelling, with a limited amount of math, McCall's descriptions allow readers of all levels to appreciate the physics of the human physique.

Physics of the Human Body will help curious high school students, undergraduates with medical aspirations, and practicing medical professionals understand more about the underlying physics principles of the human body.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780801894565
Publisher:	Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date:	05/09/2010
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Richard P. McCall is a professor of physics at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

1 Motion and Balance 1

2 Fluids and Pressure 34

3 Energy, Work, and Metabolism 69

4 Sound, Speech, and Hearing 103

5 Electrical Properties and Cell Potential 136

6 Optics of the Eye 175

7 Biological Effects of Nuclear Radiation 210

8 Drug Delivery and Concentration 245

Notes 287

Index 291

Editorial Reviews

Everything from the movement of blood through the circulatory system to how our bodies maintain their heat, Physics of the Human Body is a fascinating and very highly recommended read, a choice addition to any biological science collection.
—Midwest Book Review

Looking at the body as a physics laboratory lends a fresh perspective, from how the properties of light affect eyesight to the fluid dynamics of the circulatory system. A good resource for doctors or the general reader.
—Science News

Highly motivated and intellectually curious pre-meds will find a persuasive answer to the question: Why do they make me study physics anyway?
—Marc Sher, American Journal of Physics

From the Publisher

Everything from the movement of blood through the circulatory system to how our bodies maintain their heat, Physics of the Human Body is a fascinating and very highly recommended read, a choice addition to any biological science collection.

Midwest Book Review

Highly motivated and intellectually curious pre-meds will find a persuasive answer to the question: Why do they make me study physics anyway?

American Journal of Physics - Marc Sher

Looking at the body as a physics laboratory lends a fresh perspective, from how the properties of light affect eyesight to the fluid dynamics of the circulatory system. A good resource for doctors or the general reader.

Science News

Highly motivated and intellectually curious pre-meds will find a persuasive answer to the question: Why do they make me study physics anyway?

— Marc Sher

American Journal of Physics