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Elsevier

Anatomy & Physiology (includes Brief Atlas and Quick Guide)

  • 12th Edition - August 29, 2026
  • Latest edition
  • Authors: Kevin T. Patton, Frank B. Bell, Terry Thompson, Peggie L. Williamson
  • Language: English

A&P may be complicated but learning it doesn't have to be! Anatomy & Physiology, 12th Edition, uses a clear, easy-to-read approach to tell the story of the human body’s… Read more

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Description

A&P may be complicated but learning it doesn't have to be! Anatomy & Physiology, 12th Edition, uses a clear, easy-to-read approach to tell the story of the human body’s structure and function. Color-coded illustrations, case studies, and Clear View of the Human Body transparencies help you see the “Big Picture” of A&P. To jump-start learning, each unit begins by reviewing what you have already learned and previewing what you are about to learn. Short chapters simplify concepts with bite-sized chunks of information. Written by a team of experts led by noted educator Kevin Patton, this award-winning text includes the Brief Atlas and Quick Guide of the Human Body to make learning even easier.

Key features

  • Conversational, storytelling writing style breaks down information into brief chapters and chunks of information, making it easier to understand concepts
  • Packaged with the Brief Atlas and Quick Guide of the Human Body, which contains images from some of the world's best medical atlases, to give you a manageable overview of the human body in an easy-to-use size and format
  • 1,400 full-color photographs and drawings bring difficult A&P concepts to life and illustrate the most current scientific knowledge
  • UNIQUE! Clear View of the Human Body transparencies allow you to peel back the layers of the body, with a 22-page, full-color insert showing the male and female human body along several planes
  • The Big Picture and Cycle of Life sections in each chapter help you comprehend the interrelation of body systems and how the structure and function of these change in relation to age and development
  • Interesting sidebars and boxes include Language of Science and Medicine, Mechanisms of Disease, Health Matters, Diagnostic Study, FYI, Sports and Fitness, and Career Choices
  • Connect It! features call attention to online articles that expand on and apply A&P concepts
  • Learning features include outlines, key terms, and study hints at the start of each chapter
  • Chapter summaries, review questions, and critical thinking questions help you consolidate your knowledge after reading each chapter
  • Quick Check questions reinforce learning by prompting you to review what you have just read
  • Diverse illustrations and images reflect more accurately the wide spectrum of humanity
  • Comprehensive glossary on the Evolve companion website includes more terms than in similar textbooks, each with an easy pronunciation guide and simplified translation of word parts — essential features for learning to use scientific and medical terminology

Readership

Students in undergraduate 2-semester Anatomy and Physiology courses

Table of contents

UNIT 1: The Body as a Whole

1. Organization of the Body

2. Homeostasis

3. Chemical Basis of Life

4. Biomolecules

5. Cell Structure

6. Cell Function

7. Cell Growth & Development

8. Introduction to Tissues

9. Tissue Types

UNIT 2: Support & Movement

10. Skin

11. Skeletal Tissues

12. Axial Skeleton

13. Appendicular Skeleton

14. Articulations

15. Axial Muscles

16. Appendicular Muscles

17. Muscle Contraction

UNIT 3: Communication, Control, & Integration

18. Nervous System Cells

19. Nervous Signaling

20. Central Nervous System

21. Peripheral Nervous System

22. Autonomic Nervous System

23. General Senses

24. Special Senses

25. Endocrine Regulation

26. Endocrine Glands

UNIT 4: Transportation & Defense

27. Blood

28. Heart

29. Blood Vessels

30. Circulation of Blood

31. Lymphatic System

32. Innate Immunity

33. Adaptive Immunity

34. Stress

UNIT 5: Respiration, Nutrition & Excretion

35. Respiratory Tract

36. Ventilation

37. Gas Exchange & Transport

38. Upper Digestive Tract

39. Lower Digestive Tract

40. Digestion & Absorption

41. Nutrition & Metabolism

42. Urinary System

43. Fluid & Electrolyte Balance

44. Acid-Base Balance

UNIT 6: Reproduction & Development

45. Genital Systems

46. Reproduction

47. Growth, Development & Aging

48. Genetics & Heredity

49. Human Microbiome

Product details

  • Edition: 12
  • Latest edition
  • Published: August 29, 2026
  • Language: English

About the authors

KP

Kevin T. Patton

Professor Emeritus Kevin T. Patton works at Life Sciences,St. Charles Community College Cottleville, MO Professor of Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI adjunct) Northeast College of Health Sciences Seneca Falls, NY
Affiliations and expertise
Professor Emeritus, Life Sciences, St. Charles Community College Cottleville, MO Professor of Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction (HAPI adjunct) Northeast College of Health Sciences Seneca Falls, NY, USA

FB

Frank B. Bell

Frank B. Bell is Adjunct Assistant Professor MS in Human Anatomy and Physiology Instruction (MSHAPI) Program Northeast College of Health Sciences Seneca Falls, NY
Affiliations and expertise
Adjunct Assistant Professor MS in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (MSHAPI) Program Northeast College of Health Sciences Seneca Falls, NY, USA

TT

Terry Thompson

Terry Thompson, Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences Wor-Wic Community College President Emeritus - HAPS Salisbury, MD.
Affiliations and expertise
Professor Emeritus of Biological Sciences Wor-Wic Community College President Emeritus - HAPS Salisbury, MD, USA

PW

Peggie L. Williamson

Peggie L. Williamson works at the University of Mary Hardin DPT Program Baylor in Belton, TX Bellah Therapies, LLC Harker Heights, TX
Affiliations and expertise
University of Mary Hardin DPT Program Baylor in Belton, TX Bellah Therapies, LLC Harker Heights, TX, USA