Cunningham’s Textbook of
VETERINARY
PHYSIOLOGY
Physiology is the study of the normal functions of the body—the study of the body’s molecules, cells, and organ systems and the interrelationships among them. Because the study of medicine is the study of the abnormal functions of the body, it is essential to understand normal physiology if one is to understand the mecha-nisms of disease. For this reason, physiology and other important
sciences basic to medicine are introduced first in the veterinary
curriculum. 


Physiology is a vast subject, and veterinary students are too busy to learn all that is known about it. Therefore, an effort was made to limit the concepts presented in this book to those germane to the practice of veterinary medicine. Because the scope of physiology encompasses many scientific disciplines and levels of analysis, the authors not only represent the field of physiology,
but others such as neuroscience, cell biology, and molecular biology. Some of the authors are also veterinarians, but all have consulted with veterinary clinicians regarding content. Sections on the immune system and cancer underscore the intimate rela-tionship between the understanding of cell and molecular biology, physiological function, and veterinary medicine. This book is designed for first-year veterinary students. The goal is to introduce the student to the principles and concepts of
physiology that are pertinent to the practice of veterinary medi-cine. Other goals are to introduce the reader to physiopathology and clinical problem-solving techniques and to help the reader
understand the relationship between physiology and the practice of veterinary medicine.



This book is designed to be as student friendly as possible. New concepts in the text are introduced by a declarative state- ment designed to summarize the essential point. This format also helps the reader survey the chapter or review for an examination. These declarative statements are also listed at the beginning of the chapter as an outline of Key Points. Chapters include one or more Clinical Correlations at the end. These are designed to show the reader how knowledge of physiology is applied to the diagnosis and treatment of veterinary patients. They also provide the student with an additional way to think through the principles and concepts presented, and them can serve as a basis for classroom case discussions.