Humans (Homo sapiens) are the most abundant and widespread species of primates, characterized by bipedality and large, complex brains enabling the development of advanced tools, culture and language.

Basic Physiology is an introduction to vertebrate physiology, stressing human physiology at the organ level, and includ ing requisite anatomy integrated with function. One chapter deals solely with topographic anatomy in atlas form and microscopic anatomy of the principal tissues of the body.