Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology gives readers foundational information on anatomy and physiology. The text explains all the major systems of the human body in a concise, accessible way that successfully prepares students for further study. 

The book begins by introducing necessary terms and concepts in anatomy and physiology. The next six chapters are intended for use in a single semester and are devoted to histology, and the integument, skeletal, muscle, and nerve systems. The second half of the text addresses the circulatory and respiratory systems, the urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems, and the immune, endocrine, and lymphatic systems. The book includes appendices of useful tables for reference. 

Ideal for two-semester courses in anatomy and physiology, Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology is designed to serve as an ancillary text for classes in nursing programs, those for emergency medical technicians, or in paramedical studies.

James Palmer earned his master of science degree in biological oceanography at the University of Alabama and is currently a doctoral candidate in environmental biology at Tulane University. He served in the United States Navy in the early part of his career, where he was involved in injury mechanism research and applied medical technology. Now an educator, he has taught at several community colleges, as well as at Southeastern Louisiana University. Professor Palmer has written on a variety of health and injury-related issues for the Aerospace Medical Journal and the Navy Flight Surgeon's Manual, among others.