George Collins, University College London

The Mosby Physiology Monograph Series is fantastic. This is the first edition of “Respiratory Physiology”, and the aims of the book are no different from the other 6 texts in the series, each of which covers a separate physiological system in a similar manner. Although the main content has a firm basis in physiology, focussing on lung volumes, ventilation, perfusion, acid-base and the control of respiration, the content is not purely for academia’s sake; the physiology is used to understand the mechanisms behind disease. So, although a separate book is definitely needed to study respiratory disease in depth, a clinical perspective is maintained throughout this book. Perfect for the pre-clinical student and the clinical student wanting to swat up on some physiology. Also, don’t be put off because this is only the first edition. The author, Michelle Cloutier, is a teacher of respiratory physiology so has been tweaking and nurturing her teaching methods for several years before her they were published here. The result is a book that reads very well (much like the reader is being taught in a lecture by her) and provides well-adapted answers to questions that have been asked by her inquisitive students, and will be asked by you as you read it!

Posted 30th Jun 2010