4/17/26, 6:09 PM Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e | OpenStax
hysiology
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2026/10/19Preface
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
About OpenStax
OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. As an
educational initiative, it's our mission to transform learning so that education works for every
student. Through our partnerships with philanthropic foundations and our alliance with other
educational resource companies, we're breaking down the most common barriers to learning.
Because we believe that everyone should and can have access to knowledge.
About OpenStax Resources
Customization
Anatomy and Physiology 2e is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC
BY) license, which means that you can distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you
provide attribution to OpenStax and its content contributors.
Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or select the sections
that are most relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your
students certain chapters and sections in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even
provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web view of your book.
Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. The
custom version can be made available to students in low-cost print or digital form through their
campus bookstore. Visit your book page on OpenStax.org for more information.
Errata
All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade
textbook, errors sometimes occur. Since our books are web based, we can make updates
periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary. If you have a correction to suggest, submit it
through the link on your book page on OpenStax.org. Subject matter experts review all errata
suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also
find a list of past errata changes on your book page on OpenStax.org.
Format
You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through OpenStax.org, and for a low-cost
in print.
About Anatomy and Physiology 2e
Coverage and Scope
The units of Anatomy and Physiology 2e adhere to the scope and sequence followed by most two-
semester courses. The development choices for this textbook were guided by hundreds of faculty
who are deeply involved in teaching this course, as well as instructional designers, academic
success experts, and educational researchers who have supported A&P educators and students.
These choices led to innovations in art, terminology, career orientation, practical applications, and
multimedia-based learning, all with a goal of increasing relevance to students. We strove to make
ogy
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)
2026/10/19Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/preface 1/9
, 4/17/26, 6:09 PM Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e | OpenStax
hysiology
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2026/10/19Preface
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
the discipline engaging and relevant to students, so that they can draw from it a working knowledge
that will enrich their future studies and support them in their careers.
Unit 1: Levels of Organization
Chapters 1–4 provide students with a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology,
including its language, the levels of organization, and the basics of chemistry and cell biology. These
chapters provide a foundation for the further study of the body. They also focus particularly on how
the body’s regions, important chemicals, and cells maintain homeostasis.
Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Human Body
Chapter 2 The Chemical Level of Organization
Chapter 3 The Cellular Level of Organization
Chapter 4 The Tissue Level of Organization
Unit 2: Support and Movement
In Chapters 5–11, students explore the skin, the largest organ of the body, and examine the body’s
skeletal and muscular systems, following a traditional sequence of topics. This unit is the first to
walk students through specific systems of the body, and as it does so, it maintains a focus on
homeostasis as well as those diseases and conditions that can disrupt it.
Chapter 5 The Integumentary System
Chapter 6 Bone and Skeletal Tissue
Chapter 7 The Axial Skeleton
Chapter 8 The Appendicular Skeleton
Chapter 9 Joints
Chapter 10 Muscle Tissue
Chapter 11 The Muscular System
Unit 3: Regulation, Integration, and Control
Chapters 12–17 help students answer questions about nervous and endocrine system control and
regulation. In a break with the traditional sequence of topics, the special senses are integrated into
the chapter on the somatic nervous system. The chapter on the neurological examination offers
students a unique approach to understanding nervous system function using five simple but
powerful diagnostic tests.
Chapter 12 Introduction to the Nervous System
Chapter 13 The Anatomy of the Nervous System
Chapter 14 The Somatic Nervous System
Chapter 15 The Autonomic Nervous System
Chapter 16 The Neurological Exam
Chapter 17 The Endocrine System
Unit 4: Fluids and Transport
In Chapters 18–21, students examine the principal means of transport for materials needed to
support the human body, regulate its internal environment, and provide protection.
Chapter 18 Blood
Chapter 19 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart
ogy
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)
2026/10/19Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/preface 2/9
hysiology
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2026/10/19Preface
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
About OpenStax
OpenStax is part of Rice University, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. As an
educational initiative, it's our mission to transform learning so that education works for every
student. Through our partnerships with philanthropic foundations and our alliance with other
educational resource companies, we're breaking down the most common barriers to learning.
Because we believe that everyone should and can have access to knowledge.
About OpenStax Resources
Customization
Anatomy and Physiology 2e is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC
BY) license, which means that you can distribute, remix, and build upon the content, as long as you
provide attribution to OpenStax and its content contributors.
Because our books are openly licensed, you are free to use the entire book or select the sections
that are most relevant to the needs of your course. Feel free to remix the content by assigning your
students certain chapters and sections in your syllabus, in the order that you prefer. You can even
provide a direct link in your syllabus to the sections in the web view of your book.
Instructors also have the option of creating a customized version of their OpenStax book. The
custom version can be made available to students in low-cost print or digital form through their
campus bookstore. Visit your book page on OpenStax.org for more information.
Errata
All OpenStax textbooks undergo a rigorous review process. However, like any professional-grade
textbook, errors sometimes occur. Since our books are web based, we can make updates
periodically when deemed pedagogically necessary. If you have a correction to suggest, submit it
through the link on your book page on OpenStax.org. Subject matter experts review all errata
suggestions. OpenStax is committed to remaining transparent about all updates, so you will also
find a list of past errata changes on your book page on OpenStax.org.
Format
You can access this textbook for free in web view or PDF through OpenStax.org, and for a low-cost
in print.
About Anatomy and Physiology 2e
Coverage and Scope
The units of Anatomy and Physiology 2e adhere to the scope and sequence followed by most two-
semester courses. The development choices for this textbook were guided by hundreds of faculty
who are deeply involved in teaching this course, as well as instructional designers, academic
success experts, and educational researchers who have supported A&P educators and students.
These choices led to innovations in art, terminology, career orientation, practical applications, and
multimedia-based learning, all with a goal of increasing relevance to students. We strove to make
ogy
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)
2026/10/19Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/preface 1/9
, 4/17/26, 6:09 PM Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e | OpenStax
hysiology
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2026/10/19Preface
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@
- Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
the discipline engaging and relevant to students, so that they can draw from it a working knowledge
that will enrich their future studies and support them in their careers.
Unit 1: Levels of Organization
Chapters 1–4 provide students with a basic understanding of human anatomy and physiology,
including its language, the levels of organization, and the basics of chemistry and cell biology. These
chapters provide a foundation for the further study of the body. They also focus particularly on how
the body’s regions, important chemicals, and cells maintain homeostasis.
Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Human Body
Chapter 2 The Chemical Level of Organization
Chapter 3 The Cellular Level of Organization
Chapter 4 The Tissue Level of Organization
Unit 2: Support and Movement
In Chapters 5–11, students explore the skin, the largest organ of the body, and examine the body’s
skeletal and muscular systems, following a traditional sequence of topics. This unit is the first to
walk students through specific systems of the body, and as it does so, it maintains a focus on
homeostasis as well as those diseases and conditions that can disrupt it.
Chapter 5 The Integumentary System
Chapter 6 Bone and Skeletal Tissue
Chapter 7 The Axial Skeleton
Chapter 8 The Appendicular Skeleton
Chapter 9 Joints
Chapter 10 Muscle Tissue
Chapter 11 The Muscular System
Unit 3: Regulation, Integration, and Control
Chapters 12–17 help students answer questions about nervous and endocrine system control and
regulation. In a break with the traditional sequence of topics, the special senses are integrated into
the chapter on the somatic nervous system. The chapter on the neurological examination offers
students a unique approach to understanding nervous system function using five simple but
powerful diagnostic tests.
Chapter 12 Introduction to the Nervous System
Chapter 13 The Anatomy of the Nervous System
Chapter 14 The Somatic Nervous System
Chapter 15 The Autonomic Nervous System
Chapter 16 The Neurological Exam
Chapter 17 The Endocrine System
Unit 4: Fluids and Transport
In Chapters 18–21, students examine the principal means of transport for materials needed to
support the human body, regulate its internal environment, and provide protection.
Chapter 18 Blood
Chapter 19 The Cardiovascular System: The Heart
ogy
@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)_~)~()@(@))U89010/19/2026,
2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R^RF&V&EBD*&DBN(*OIU@R)(@+_R)R_(R@))(!))*)
2026/10/19Preface - Anatomy and Physiology 2e _ OpenStax.pdf(*&*@T*^#&*^&$^&^&*$^*&^@*&$@$*%*$&^+*&T@$^&$@**&$@^$*&@$^*&$@@^$@&$R
1:39:29 PM
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/preface 2/9
