Seeley's Anatomy & Physiology

The athlete on the front cover has a difficult task. He must perform a dynamic routine, moving constantly, all while maintaining his balance on the pommel horse. In much the same way, our bodies maintain a constant internal balance as we carry out our daily routine. Homeostasis is the process by which our body's systems are kept in balance and is one of the foundations of understanding the study of anatomy and physiology. As the athlete concentrates to sustain balance and compensates for the slightest deviation in movement, so does our body through homeostasis. Once you have gained an understanding of the integrated human form, you will be fascinated with the process of homeostasis and other physiological mechanisms that comprise the remarkable human body. --