Animal Physiology: Molecular Mechanisms and Diversity
Yoshitaka Oka, Ritsu Kamiya, Takeo Kubo, and Yoshiro Takei, authors, Maruzen Publishing, January 2023, 242 pages, 3,800 yen (excluding tax)
(excluding tax)
This book incorporates recent research findings and covers biological signaling in cells to sensory reception and transport.
To the point about whole-body physiology regarding motor function, the central nervous system, and further metabolism and homeostasis.
It is a well-written book that explains [the subject] clearly. This book is intended not only for undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to become animal physiologists, but also
The content is also useful for life scientists outside the field of animal physiology.
Chapter 1 is positioned as "the foundation for understanding all chapters" (from the preface), and the mechanisms of cellular biological signals
provides an overview of the structure. Starting with an explanation of cell structure, it covers mass transport, endocytosis, signaling molecules, and
That receptor is explained, and cell functions focusing on calcium ions are explained. Chapter two is
An explanation of sensory reception is provided. Specifically, mechanoreception (skin, skeletal muscle, auditory organs),
Chemical reception (olfaction, gustation) and photoreception (vision) are covered. The third chapter focuses on movement.
are assigned, ranging from the cytoskeleton and the action of motor proteins to the contraction of skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle,
Even the movement of flagella and cilia is covered. Chapter 4, titled "Physiology of the Central Nervous System," discusses the nervous system.
It explains everything from morphological characteristics to electrophysiological findings of neurons and explanations of neural circuits.
Chapter 5 focuses on the metabolism of animals, particularly mammals, and provides a general explanation of enzymatic reactions
, and explains glycolysis, the electron transport chain, and lipid and amino acid metabolism. The final chapter, the sixth
In this chapter, general explanations of the autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system are provided using homeostasis as the key concept.
is made, and furthermore, homeostasis related to blood circulation and the absorption and excretion of water and salts, the respiratory system, and the body
Thermal homeostasis is described. As someone who studies insects as research subjects,
In Chapter 6, not only mammals but also other vertebrates and invertebrates are covered,
I am very glad that comparisons can be made across a wide range of taxonomic groups. In other chapters, web
It is very interesting that the page mentions physiological research in non-mammalian species.
Furthermore, as mentioned above, the content of animal physiology is comprehensively and compactly summarized, and at a low price,
Considering also that, it is a highly valuable book for readers who want to learn animal physiology.
will probably get.
Kazuki Sakura (Department of Evolutionary Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology)
