p. viiip. 11. Introduction
- Ian KayIan KayAssociate Head of School, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University
- and Gethin EvansGethin EvansSenior Lecturer, School of Healthcare Science, Manchester Metropolitan University
Abstract
This chapter considers underlying molecular and cellular elements and the link between structure and function in physiology to provide an understanding of the structures within the body. It discusses the body in terms of the hierarchical nature of organization from the molecular level through to the organismal level. It also highlights the elemental composition of the vast majority of the body which is formed from carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, oxygenydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen. The chapter analyzes an individual's body weight in terms of body composition, which is accounted for by water and is found in a variety of compartments. Given that water accounts for most of an individual’s body weight, the chapter looks in depth at the forms this water takes. It explains that the water within the body has a variety of solutes dissolved in it that. These form extracellular fluid and intracellular fluid, each of which has a unique composition.
