Synopsis
This compact, concise, easy-to-read monograph explains the key concepts and equations in respiratory physiology. The Seventh Edition updates and revises material to reflect current advances in respiratory science but does not stray from the proven formula students and faculty have enjoyed since 1974.
New updates include physiology of pulmonary capillaries, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary edema, surface tension, elastic properties of the lung and chest wall, metabolic functions of the lung, and perinatal respiration. Ample illustrations and pedagogical features help clarify important equations and concepts. USMLE-style review questions at the end of each chapter help students review for class or boards.
Kevin McCarthy
This sixth edition of Dr. West's classic primer on respiratory physiology once again provides the reader with a concise description of the major features of respiratory physiology in an easy to read and understand format. The book was originally designed 25 years ago as an introductory textbook to accompany lectures on this topic for medical students and allied health students. In this function, the book is unsurpassed in simplicity of approach and integration of the essential concepts in respiratory physiology. Medical residents and fellows will gratefully find this a quick read and an excellent way to review this important topic for board exams. The author has fine-tuned this material based on his thirty years of experience lecturing on respiratory physiology to medical students. The illustrations have been redrawn from earlier editions, most being presented as simple line drawings with the important features of each figure highlighted in red -- perfect for presenting the material for the first time or as a quick review. This book stands alone among texts of pulmonary physiology. The stated goals of providing a means to quickly develop a working knowledge of pulmonary physiology while sparing the reader the daunting equations that riddle most texts on this topic are met.