Introduction
Introduction to the Textbook
Welcome to Human Physiology! We hope that you find this text helpful in your study of the human body. This text provides detailed information on the systems typically covered in a one-semester undergraduate course in human physiology. This edition specifically targets students enrolled in Human Physiology at the University of San Francisco and primarily contains topics covered in that course, though this text would also be useful to students in other institutions studying human physiology or human biology.
Under the principles of Universal Design for Learning, each section of the text contains multiple means of representation for students to engage with the content. Each chapter is subdivided into short sections that each focus on one concept. The text is written to be accessible for first-year students without a background in human anatomy or physiology.
Each section of each chapter contains questions to review the content as you study. All review questions provide immediate feedback so students can check their understanding. Sections also include a glossary of key terms and a set of flash cards based on the glossary terms.
Use of Language in This Text
Throughout this text, we refer to the National Institutes of Health style guide with regards to person-first language, references to race and national origin, and obesity and body size. Specifically, within this text we will use the following conventions:
- Person-first language: Except when referring to communities where identify-first language is preferred, we will use person-first language throughout (such as “person with disabilities”).
- Race and national origin: All references to race will be capitalized throughout the text, including White. Writing white in the lowercase could give the impression that it is the default, neutral, or standard state. The capital letter for a racial identity is not intended to elevate but rather to situate, and therefore all references to race are equally capitalized.
- Obesity and body size: Obesity and overweight are defined medical conditions; their use within this text will be consistent with the clinical standards.
Distinguishing Between Sex and Gender
Sex and gender are diverse and nuanced subjects when discussing human physiology. “Sex” refers to the reproductive organs and their functions and other physical characteristics as determined by a person’s sex chromosomes. Using this definition, a person’s sex is referred to as male or female. “Gender” refers to a person’s self-identification as female, male, or neither female nor male. In any text or figures referencing human females and males, we use these terms to describe physical and physiological features as determined by genetic sex.
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Use of AI Tools
AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Diffit, and Grammarly) were used during the creation of this OER for the generation of some of the following components:
- Alternative text for images and videos
- Self-assessment questions
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling review
All AI output was edited and revised before it was included in this text.
