The Human Body

The Human Body: Linking Structure and Function, 2nd Edition, by Bruce M. Carlson is an Academic Press textbook that connects physical anatomical structure directly with biological function. The volume provides structured learning material for upper undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows engaged in functional anatomy and physiology studies.

Organized across fifteen chapters, the content moves systematically from fundamental cells, tissues, and skin to complex internal systems. Throughout these sections, the material details how developmental lineage shapes organ system integration, establishing a clear structural framework that connects microscopic cell groups to integrated biological networks.

A primary feature of this second edition is a specialized chapter dedicated to the functional anatomy of a joint. This focused section integrates bones, muscles, connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels into a single analytical section, offering targeted practice and analytical support for upper-level university coursework across the biological sciences.