Description
Book SynopsisThis book is for anyone interested in the structural and functional characteristics of the digestive system and how these vary among vertebrates. It discusses all of the major aspects of nutrition, anatomy and physiology in vertebrates and emphasizes the relationship between digestive strategies and the diet and environment.
Trade Review'I would commend this book to any gastroenterologist with a spark of scientific curiosity and to every medical librarian.' Gut
'This is an excellent book … I would recommend it without reservation to all who profess an interest in the gastrointestinal tract and it should be in the personal library of every research gastroenterologist. To any young postgraduate worker contemplating a research career in the physiology of the gut, this book is a must.' Tim Scratcherd, Journal of Experimental Physiology
'… a useful and stimulating book, well worth reading.' Richard Naftalin, Gut
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Energy and nutrient requirements; 2. General characteristics of the digestive system; 3. The digestive system of fish, amphibians, reptiles and birds; 4. The mammalian gastrointestinal tract; 5. Motor activity; 6. Digesta transit and retention; 7. Digestion of carbohydrate, lipids and protein, and the absorption of end products; 8. Microbial fermentation and synthesis of nutrients, and the absorption of end products; 9. Secretion and absorption of electrolytes and water; 10. Neuroendocrine control; 11. Evolution of the digestive system; 12. Conclusions and future directions; References; Index.