This introductory text presents a large, complex body of scientific knowledge in an easily understood conversational writing style, focusing on concepts rather than just descriptions to help students unify information. By using big picture and cycle of life themes throughout, the student learns the interrelation of body systems and the body's change in relation to age and development. Includes hundreds of full-color illustrations, a FREE Student Survival Guide to Anatomy & Physiology and a FREE CD-ROM to help make learning more exciting and interactive for students. Features: * Written in an easily understood conversational style to facilitate learning. * Uses an inviting full-color design that makes the information more accessible, including more than 1400 full-color photos and illustrations to enhance explanations of difficult concepts. * Highlights key illustrations and photographs with a unique key-shaped symbol. * Includes case studies to challenge students with real-life clinical situations. * Includes a variety of specialty boxes and tables to explain the practical applications of the principles of anatomy and physiology. * Reinforces learning by prompting students to review with Quick Check questions after major sections within the chapters. * Provides chapter outlines and key term lists at the beginning of each chapter to give students a short overview of subject content. * Detailed chapter summaries outline essential information to help student organize their study. * Content review questions help students determine how well they have mastered the important concepts. * Critical thinking questions actively engage students and challenge their reasoning skills. New to this edition: * An all-new mini-atlas of regional dissection of human anatomy is the perfect study guide for students unable to participate in a cadaver dissection laboratory. * FREE with every book, the Student Survival Guide and interactive CD-ROM are great for preparing for labs and exams. * Dozens of unique full-color micrographs of cellular structure enhance student learning. * New and updated artwork illustrates the most current scientific knowledge. * Color-coded tabs at the top of each page differentiate the six units at a glance. * Features MERLIN (Mosby's Electronic Resource Links and Information NOW!) , an interactive website that includes content updates, student resources and links to sites with related content. A special access code is included with each textbook.