Basicmedical Key

19 Female reproductive system Introduction The female reproductive system has six major functions: • Production of female gametes, the ova, by the process of oogenesis • Reception of male gametes, the spermatozoa…

14 Gastrointestinal tract Introduction The function of the gastrointestinal system is to break down food for absorption into the body. This process occurs in five main phases: ingestion, fragmentation, digestion,…

5 Epithelial tissues Introduction The epithelia (singular: epithelium) are a diverse group of tissues that include both surface epithelia and solid organs. Surface epithelia cover or line all body surfaces,…

7 Nervous tissues Introduction The nervous system provides rapid and precise communication between different parts of the body via the action of specialised nerve cells called neurones. These highly specialised…

20 Central nervous system The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and is composed of neurones, neuronal processes, supporting cells of the CNS (glial cells)…

9 Skin Introduction The skin is the largest organ in the body, both in weight and surface area. It shows significant regional variation, with the thickest skin being found on…

1 Cell structure and function Introduction to the Cell Histology is the study of normal cells and tissues, mainly using microscopes. This book describes the histology of normal human tissues,…

21 Special sense organs Introduction The organs of special sense are sophisticated sensory structures in which the specific neural receptors are incorporated in a non-neural structure which enhances and refines…

16 Urinary system Introduction The principal function of the urinary system is the maintenance of water, electrolyte and acid-base homeostasis, which requires that any input into the system is balanced…

6 Muscle Introduction Although all cells are capable of some sort of movement, the dominant function of several cell types is to generate force through contraction. In these specialised contractile…