The Facts On File Illustrated Guide To The Human Body:The Senses

This book is a concise, illustrated guide to the anatomy, physiology, well-being, and disorders of the human senses. It has been written and illustrated specially for students  and laypeople interested in medicine, health, fitness, and first aid. The subject is dealt with in clear steps, so that the reader can steadily acquire a good overall understanding. Explanatory texts, diagrams, illustrations, captions, and fact boxes are combined to help readers grasp important information at a glance. A glossary of scientific and jargon words defines medical terms in everyday language. A list of Web sites provides links to other relevant sources of information, and the index enables quick access to articles.

There are five sections within the book. The first section surveys the sensory system and outlines how sensory cells respond to stimuli, or changes, and pass signals to the brain for interpretation. Sections 2, 3, and 4 focus on the major sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, and tongue—and the senses they provide—vision, hearing, balance, smell, and taste. Section 5 deals with the skin: both the senses of touch, temperature, and pain, and its nonsensory structures and functions. Within each section, normal structure and function are followed by principles of healthcare and hygiene. These are followed by a survey of the main disorders and diseases affecting the region. Information is presented as double-page topics arranged in subsections.