An anatomy and physiology course can be the gateway to a gratifying

career in a host of health-related professions. As active

teachers of the course, we recognize both the rewards and challenges

in providing a strong foundation for understanding the

complexities of the human body to an increasingly diverse population

of students. The twelfth edition of Principles of Anatomy

and Physiology continues to offer a balanced presentation of

content under the umbrella of our primary and unifying theme of

homeostasis, supported by relevant discussions of disruptions to

homeostasis. In addition, years of student feedback have convinced

us that readers learn anatomy and physiology more readily

when they remain mindful of the relationship between structure

and function. As a writing team—an anatomist and a

physiologist—our very different specializations offer practical

advantages in fine-tuning the balance between anatomy and

physiology.