Taking a uniquely integrative approach to respiration, this concise, lucid textbook encompasses all aspects of respiratory physiology including pulmonary anatomy and microstructure, mechanics, gas exchange, acid-base balance and control mechanism. Unlike many texts, this one strikes a good balance between the principles of pulmonary gas exchange (ventilation, prefusion, gas exchange efficiency) and the neural control of respiration (central and chemical mechanisms and reflexes). It is unique in its coverage of integrative aspects of respiration such as the system's response to altitude, hyperbaric environments, exercise, sleep, and the in utero and early postnatal periods. In addition, it covers the biosynthetic functions of the lung. A final chapter on comparative respiratory physiology shows how the fundamental mechanisms of respiration differ throughout the animal kingdom, helping students understand the characteristics of the mammalian respiratory system.