**2026 Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) McGuffey Longevity Award Winner**
**Selected for 2026 Doody's Core Titles as an Essential Purchase in Physiology**
A favorite text of physiology students worldwide, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology delivers the complex knowledge you need to master in a distinctive, easy-to-digest format. The fifteenth Edition of this bestselling text is fully up to date and provides clear, comprehensive coverage of the content most relevant to clinical and pre-clinical students. The unique format ensures maximum learning and retention of complex concepts: a larger font size emphasizes core information, while supporting information is detailed in a smaller font and highlighted in pale blue—making it easy to quickly skim the essential text or pursue more in-depth study.
Key Features
Author Information
John E. Hall,Arther C. Guyton Professor and Chair Department of Physiology and Biophysics Director, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research Director, Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi, USA;Michael E. Hall,Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases Department of Physiology and Biophysics Patrick H. Lehan Chair of Cardiovascular Diseases Director of Clinical and Population Studies, Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi
1. UNIT I: Introduction to Physiology: The Cell and General Physiology - p. S1 2. Chapter 1. Functional Organization of the Human Body and Control of the “Internal Environment” - p. 3 3. Chapter 2. The Cell and Its Functions - p. 13 4. Chapter 3. Genetic Control of Protein Synthesis, Cell Function, and Cell Reproduction - p. 31 5. UNIT II: Membrane Physiology, Nerve, and Muscle - p. S49 6. Chapter 4. Transport of Substances Through Cell Membranes - p. 51 7. Chapter 5. Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials - p. 63 8. Chapter 6. Contraction of Skeletal Muscle - p. 79 9. Chapter 7. Excitation of Skeletal Muscle: Neuromuscular Transmission and Excitation-Contraction Coupling - p. 93 10. Chapter 8. Excitation and Contraction of Smooth Muscle - p. 101 11. UNIT III: The Heart - p. S111 12. Chapter 9. Cardiac Muscle; The Heart as a Pump and Function of the Heart Valves - p. 113 13. Chapter 10. Rhythmical Excitation of the Heart - p. 127 14. Chapter 11. Fundamentals of Electrocardiography - p. 135 15. Chapter 12. Electrocardiographic Interpretation of Cardiac Muscle and Coronary Blood Flow Abnormalities: Vectorial Analysis - p. 143 16. Chapter 13. Cardiac Arrhythmias and Their Electrocardiographic Interpretation - p. 159 17. UNIT IV: The Circulation - p. S171 18. Chapter 14. Overview of the Circulation: Pressure, Flow, and Resistance - p. 173 19. Chapter 15Vascular Distensibility and Functions of the Arterial and Venous Systems - p. 183 20. Chapter 16. The Microcirculation and Lymphatic System: Capillary Fluid Exchange, Interstitial Fluid, and Lymph Flow - p. 193 21. Chapter 17. Local and Humoral Control of Tissue Blood Flow - p. 207 22. Chapter 18. Nervous Regulation of the Circulation and Rapid Control of Arterial Pressure - p. 219 23. Chapter 19. Role of the Kidneys in Long-Term Control of Arterial Pressure and in Hypertension: The Integrated System for Arterial Pressure Regulation - p. 231 24. Chapter 20. Cardiac Output, Venous Return, and Their Regulation - p. 249 25. Chapter 21. Muscle Blood Flow and Cardiac Output During Exercise; The Coronary Circulation and Ischemic Heart Disease - p. 263 26. Chapter 22. Heart Failure - p. 275 27. Chapter 23. Heart Valves and Heart Sounds; Valvular and Congenital Heart Defects - p. 287 28. Chapter 24. Circulatory Shock and Its Treatment - p. 297 29. UNIT V: The Body Fluids and Kidneys - p. S307 30. Chapter 25. Regulation of Body Fluid Compartments: Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids; Edema - p. 309 31. Chapter 26. The Urinary System: Functional Anatomy and Urine Formation By the Kidneys - p. 325 32. Chapter 27. Glomerular Filtration, Renal Blood Flow, and Their Control - p. 335 33. Chapter 28. Renal Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion - p. 349 34. Chapter 29. Urine Concentration and Dilution; Regulation of Extracellular Fluid Osmolarity and Sodium Concentration - p. 373 35. Chapter 30. Renal Regulation of Potassium, Calcium, Phosphate, and Magnesium; Integration of Renal Mechanisms for Control of Blood Volume and Extracellular Fluid Volume - p. 391 36. Chapter 31. Acid–Base Regulation - p. 411 37. Chapter 32. Diuretics and Kidney Diseases - p. 429 38. UNIT VI: Blood Cells, Immunity, and Blood Coagulation - p. S445 39. Chapter 33. Red Blood Cells, Anemia, and Polycythemia - p. 447 40. Chapter 34. Resistance of the Body to Infection: I. Leukocytes, Granulocytes, the Monocyte-Macrophage System, and Inflammation - p. 457 41. Chapter 35. Resistance of the Body to Infection: II. Immunity and Allergy - p. 467 42. Chapter 36. Blood Types, Transfusion, and Tissue and Organ Transplantation - p. 481 43. Chapter 37. Hemostasis and Blood Coagulation - p. 487 44. UNIT VII: Respiration - p. S499 45. Chapter 38. Pulmonary Ventilation - p. 501 46. Chapter 39. Pulmonary Circulation, Pulmonary Edema, and Pleural Fluid - p. 513 47. Chapter 40. Principles of Gas Exchange; Diffusion of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Through Respiratory Membranes - p. 521 48. Chapter 41. Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Blood and Tissue Fluids - p. 531 49. Chapter 42. Regulation of Respiration - p. 541 50. Chapter 43. Respiratory Insufficiency—Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Oxygen Therapy - p. 551 51. UNIT VIII: Aviation, Space, and Deep-Sea Diving Physiology - p. S561 52. Chapter 44. Aviation, High Altitude, and Space Physiology - p. 563 53. Chapter 45. Physiology of Deep-Sea Diving and Other Hyperbaric Conditions - p. 571 54. UNIT IX: The Nervous System: A. General Principles and Sensory Physiology - p. S577 55. Chapter 46. Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses and Neurotransmitters - p. 579 56. Chapter 47. Sensory Receptors and Neuronal Circuits for Processing Information - p. 597 57. Chapter 48. Somatic Sensations: I. General Organization, Tactile and Position Senses - p. 609 58. Chapter 49. Somatic Sensations: II. Pain, Headache, and Thermal Sensations - p. 623 59. UNIT X: The Nervous System: B. The Special Senses - p. S635 60. Chapter 50. The Eye: I. Optics of Vision - p. 637 61. Chapter 51. The Eye: II. Receptor and Neural Function of the Retina - p. 649 62. Chapter 52. The Eye: III. Central Neurophysiology of Vision - p. 663 63. Chapter 53. The Sense of Hearing - p. 675 64. Chapter 54. The Chemical Senses—Taste and Smell - p. 687 65. UNIT XI: The Nervous System: C. Motor and Integrative Neurophysiology - p. S695 66. Chapter 55. Spinal Cord Motor Functions; The Cord Reflexes - p. 697 67. Chapter 56. Cortical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function - p. 709 68. Chapter 57. Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia Contributions to Overall Motor Control - p. 723 69. Chapter 58. Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory - p. 739 70. Chapter 59. The Limbic System and the Hypothalamus—Behavioral and Motivational Mechanisms of the Brain - p. 753 71. Chapter 60. States of Brain Activity—Sleep, Brain Waves, Epilepsy, Psychoses, and Dementia - p. 765 72. Chapter 61. The Autonomic Nervous System and the Adrenal Medulla - p. 777 73. Chapter 62. Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Brain Metabolism - p. 791 74. UNIT XII: Gastrointestinal Physiology - p. S801 75. Chapter 63. General Principles of Gastrointestinal Function—Motility, Nervous and Hormonal Control, Blood Circulation, and Microbiota - p. 803 76. Chapter 64. Propulsion and Mixing of Food in the Alimentary Tract - p. 815 77. Chapter 65. Secretory Functions of the Alimentary Tract - p. 825 78. Chapter 66. Digestion and Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract - p. 841 79. Chapter 67. Physiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders - p. 851 80. UNIT XIII: Metabolism and Temperature Regulation - p. S859 81. Chapter 68. Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Formation of Adenosine Triphosphate - p. 861 82. Chapter 69. Lipid Metabolism - p. 871 83. Chapter 70. Protein Metabolism - p. 883 84. Chapter 71. The Liver - p. 889 85. Chapter 72. Dietary Balances; Regulation of Feeding; Obesity and Starvation; Vitamins and Minerals - p. 897 86. Chapter 73. Energetics and Metabolic Rate - p. 915 87. Chapter 74. Body Temperature Regulation and Fever - p. 923 88. UNIT XIV: Endocrinology and Reproduction - p. S935 89. Chapter 75. Introduction to Endocrinology - p. 937 90. Chapter 76. Pituitary Hormones and Their Control By the Hypothalamus - p. 951 91. Chapter 77. Thyroid Metabolic Hormones - p. 965 92. Chapter 78. Adrenocortical Hormones - p. 979 93. Chapter 79. Insulin, Glucagon, and Diabetes Mellitus - p. 999 94. Chapter 80. Parathyroid Hormone, Calcitonin, Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism, Vitamin D, Bone, and Teeth - p. 1017 95. Chapter 81. Reproductive and Hormonal Functions of the Male (and Function of the Pineal Gland) - p. 1037 96. Chapter 82. Female Physiology Before Pregnancy and Female Hormones - p. 1053 97. Chapter 83. Pregnancy and Lactation - p. 1073 98. Chapter 84. Fetal and Neonatal Physiology - p. 1089 99. UNIT XV: Sports Physiology - p. S1099 100. Chapter 85. Sports Physiology - p. 1101 101. Index - p. 1113 102. Normal Values for Selected Common Laboratory Measurements - p. 1162
**2026 Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA) McGuffey Longevity Award Winner**
**Selected for 2026 Doody's Core Titles as an Essential Purchase in Physiology**
A favorite text of physiology students worldwide, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology delivers the complex knowledge you need to master in a distinctive, easy-to-digest format. The fifteenth Edition of this bestselling text is fully up to date and provides clear, comprehensive coverage of the content most relevant to clinical and pre-clinical students. The unique format ensures maximum learning and retention of complex concepts: a larger font size emphasizes core information, while supporting information is detailed in a smaller font and highlighted in pale blue—making it easy to quickly skim the essential text or pursue more in-depth study.
Key Features
Author Information
John E. Hall,Arther C. Guyton Professor and Chair Department of Physiology and Biophysics Director, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research Director, Cardiorenal and Metabolic Diseases Research Center University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi, USA;Michael E. Hall,Chair and Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases Department of Physiology and Biophysics Patrick H. Lehan Chair of Cardiovascular Diseases Director of Clinical and Population Studies, Mississippi Center for Clinical and Translational Research University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi
1. UNIT I: Introduction to Physiology: The Cell and General Physiology - p. S1 2. Chapter 1. Functional Organization of the Human Body and Control of the “Internal Environment” - p. 3 3. Chapter 2. The Cell and Its Functions - p. 13 4. Chapter 3. Genetic Control of Protein Synthesis, Cell Function, and Cell Reproduction - p. 31 5. UNIT II: Membrane Physiology, Nerve, and Muscle - p. S49 6. Chapter 4. Transport of Substances Through Cell Membranes - p. 51 7. Chapter 5. Membrane Potentials and Action Potentials - p. 63 8. Chapter 6. Contraction of Skeletal Muscle - p. 79 9. Chapter 7. Excitation of Skeletal Muscle: Neuromuscular Transmission and Excitation-Contraction Coupling - p. 93 10. Chapter 8. Excitation and Contraction of Smooth Muscle - p. 101 11. UNIT III: The Heart - p. S111 12. Chapter 9. Cardiac Muscle; The Heart as a Pump and Function of the Heart Valves - p. 113 13. Chapter 10. Rhythmical Excitation of the Heart - p. 127 14. Chapter 11. Fundamentals of Electrocardiography - p. 135 15. Chapter 12. Electrocardiographic Interpretation of Cardiac Muscle and Coronary Blood Flow Abnormalities: Vectorial Analysis - p. 143 16. Chapter 13. Cardiac Arrhythmias and Their Electrocardiographic Interpretation - p. 159 17. UNIT IV: The Circulation - p. S171 18. Chapter 14. Overview of the Circulation: Pressure, Flow, and Resistance - p. 173 19. Chapter 15Vascular Distensibility and Functions of the Arterial and Venous Systems - p. 183 20. Chapter 16. The Microcirculation and Lymphatic System: Capillary Fluid Exchange, Interstitial Fluid, and Lymph Flow - p. 193 21. Chapter 17. Local and Humoral Control of Tissue Blood Flow - p. 207 22. Chapter 18. Nervous Regulation of the Circulation and Rapid Control of Arterial Pressure - p. 219 23. Chapter 19. Role of the Kidneys in Long-Term Control of Arterial Pressure and in Hypertension: The Integrated System for Arterial Pressure Regulation - p. 231 24. Chapter 20. Cardiac Output, Venous Return, and Their Regulation - p. 249 25. Chapter 21. Muscle Blood Flow and Cardiac Output During Exercise; The Coronary Circulation and Ischemic Heart Disease - p. 263 26. Chapter 22. Heart Failure - p. 275 27. Chapter 23. Heart Valves and Heart Sounds; Valvular and Congenital Heart Defects - p. 287 28. Chapter 24. Circulatory Shock and Its Treatment - p. 297 29. UNIT V: The Body Fluids and Kidneys - p. S307 30. Chapter 25. Regulation of Body Fluid Compartments: Extracellular and Intracellular Fluids; Edema - p. 309 31. Chapter 26. The Urinary System: Functional Anatomy and Urine Formation By the Kidneys - p. 325 32. Chapter 27. Glomerular Filtration, Renal Blood Flow, and Their Control - p. 335 33. Chapter 28. Renal Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion - p. 349 34. Chapter 29. Urine Concentration and Dilution; Regulation of Extracellular Fluid Osmolarity and Sodium Concentration - p. 373 35. Chapter 30. Renal Regulation of Potassium, Calcium, Phosphate, and Magnesium; Integration of Renal Mechanisms for Control of Blood Volume and Extracellular Fluid Volume - p. 391 36. Chapter 31. Acid–Base Regulation - p. 411 37. Chapter 32. Diuretics and Kidney Diseases - p. 429 38. UNIT VI: Blood Cells, Immunity, and Blood Coagulation - p. S445 39. Chapter 33. Red Blood Cells, Anemia, and Polycythemia - p. 447 40. Chapter 34. Resistance of the Body to Infection: I. Leukocytes, Granulocytes, the Monocyte-Macrophage System, and Inflammation - p. 457 41. Chapter 35. Resistance of the Body to Infection: II. Immunity and Allergy - p. 467 42. Chapter 36. Blood Types, Transfusion, and Tissue and Organ Transplantation - p. 481 43. Chapter 37. Hemostasis and Blood Coagulation - p. 487 44. UNIT VII: Respiration - p. S499 45. Chapter 38. Pulmonary Ventilation - p. 501 46. Chapter 39. Pulmonary Circulation, Pulmonary Edema, and Pleural Fluid - p. 513 47. Chapter 40. Principles of Gas Exchange; Diffusion of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Through Respiratory Membranes - p. 521 48. Chapter 41. Transport of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide in Blood and Tissue Fluids - p. 531 49. Chapter 42. Regulation of Respiration - p. 541 50. Chapter 43. Respiratory Insufficiency—Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Oxygen Therapy - p. 551 51. UNIT VIII: Aviation, Space, and Deep-Sea Diving Physiology - p. S561 52. Chapter 44. Aviation, High Altitude, and Space Physiology - p. 563 53. Chapter 45. Physiology of Deep-Sea Diving and Other Hyperbaric Conditions - p. 571 54. UNIT IX: The Nervous System: A. General Principles and Sensory Physiology - p. S577 55. Chapter 46. Organization of the Nervous System, Basic Functions of Synapses and Neurotransmitters - p. 579 56. Chapter 47. Sensory Receptors and Neuronal Circuits for Processing Information - p. 597 57. Chapter 48. Somatic Sensations: I. General Organization, Tactile and Position Senses - p. 609 58. Chapter 49. Somatic Sensations: II. Pain, Headache, and Thermal Sensations - p. 623 59. UNIT X: The Nervous System: B. The Special Senses - p. S635 60. Chapter 50. The Eye: I. Optics of Vision - p. 637 61. Chapter 51. The Eye: II. Receptor and Neural Function of the Retina - p. 649 62. Chapter 52. The Eye: III. Central Neurophysiology of Vision - p. 663 63. Chapter 53. The Sense of Hearing - p. 675 64. Chapter 54. The Chemical Senses—Taste and Smell - p. 687 65. UNIT XI: The Nervous System: C. Motor and Integrative Neurophysiology - p. S695 66. Chapter 55. Spinal Cord Motor Functions; The Cord Reflexes - p. 697 67. Chapter 56. Cortical and Brain Stem Control of Motor Function - p. 709 68. Chapter 57. Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia Contributions to Overall Motor Control - p. 723 69. Chapter 58. Cerebral Cortex, Intellectual Functions of the Brain, Learning, and Memory - p. 739 70. Chapter 59. The Limbic System and the Hypothalamus—Behavioral and Motivational Mechanisms of the Brain - p. 753 71. Chapter 60. States of Brain Activity—Sleep, Brain Waves, Epilepsy, Psychoses, and Dementia - p. 765 72. Chapter 61. The Autonomic Nervous System and the Adrenal Medulla - p. 777 73. Chapter 62. Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Brain Metabolism - p. 791 74. UNIT XII: Gastrointestinal Physiology - p. S801 75. Chapter 63. General Principles of Gastrointestinal Function—Motility, Nervous and Hormonal Control, Blood Circulation, and Microbiota - p. 803 76. Chapter 64. Propulsion and Mixing of Food in the Alimentary Tract - p. 815 77. Chapter 65. Secretory Functions of the Alimentary Tract - p. 825 78. Chapter 66. Digestion and Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract - p. 841 79. Chapter 67. Physiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders - p. 851 80. UNIT XIII: Metabolism and Temperature Regulation - p. S859 81. Chapter 68. Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Formation of Adenosine Triphosphate - p. 861 82. Chapter 69. Lipid Metabolism - p. 871 83. Chapter 70. Protein Metabolism - p. 883 84. Chapter 71. The Liver - p. 889 85. Chapter 72. Dietary Balances; Regulation of Feeding; Obesity and Starvation; Vitamins and Minerals - p. 897 86. Chapter 73. Energetics and Metabolic Rate - p. 915 87. Chapter 74. Body Temperature Regulation and Fever - p. 923 88. UNIT XIV: Endocrinology and Reproduction - p. S935 89. Chapter 75. Introduction to Endocrinology - p. 937 90. Chapter 76. Pituitary Hormones and Their Control By the Hypothalamus - p. 951 91. Chapter 77. Thyroid Metabolic Hormones - p. 965 92. Chapter 78. Adrenocortical Hormones - p. 979 93. Chapter 79. Insulin, Glucagon, and Diabetes Mellitus - p. 999 94. Chapter 80. Parathyroid Hormone, Calcitonin, Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism, Vitamin D, Bone, and Teeth - p. 1017 95. Chapter 81. Reproductive and Hormonal Functions of the Male (and Function of the Pineal Gland) - p. 1037 96. Chapter 82. Female Physiology Before Pregnancy and Female Hormones - p. 1053 97. Chapter 83. Pregnancy and Lactation - p. 1073 98. Chapter 84. Fetal and Neonatal Physiology - p. 1089 99. UNIT XV: Sports Physiology - p. S1099 100. Chapter 85. Sports Physiology - p. 1101 101. Index - p. 1113 102. Normal Values for Selected Common Laboratory Measurements - p. 1162
