This book gives a current overview on the development, origin, structure, and functions of germline and somatic cell syncytia during embryogenesis and organogenesis. It also reviews pathogen-induced syncytia and the role of syncytial cells in cancer development. The book covers the following topics: germline syncytia, evolution, function and structure; syncytia in embryogenesis and development; the role of somatic cell fusion in fungi, specialized somatic tissues, host defense and adaptation; syncytia induced by viruses and parasites; syncytia and circulating hybrid cells in cancer and other pathological conditions; It also discusses how the genomic adaptations of microorganisms to extreme habitats can prompt the evolution of mononuclear and multinucleate/syncytial cells. The book offers a fresh outlook on syncytia's role in various processes: embryogenesis, organogenesis, adaptation, host defense, and development of specialized tissues. It highlights the importance of syncytia under physiological and pathological conditions.

Animal phylogeny is undergoing a major revolution due to the availability of an ever increasing amount of molecular data, the application of novel methods of phylogenetic reconstruction, and advances in palaeontology and molecular developmental biology.This book revises the major events in animal evolution in the light of these recent advances.

The nervous system is particularly fascinating for many biologists because it controls animal characteristics such as movement, behavior, and coordinated thinking. Invertebrate neurobiology has traditionally been studied in specific model organisms, whilst knowledge of the broad diversity of nervous system architecture and its evolution among metazoan animals has received less attention. This is the first major reference work in the field for 50 years, bringing together many leading evolutionary neurobiologists to review the most recent research on the structure of invertebrate nervous systems and provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview for a new generation of researchers. Presented in full colour throughout, Structure and Evolution of Invertebrate Nervous Systems synthesizes and illustrates the numerous new findings that have been made possible with light and electron microscopy. These include the recent introduction of new molecular and optical techniques such as immunohistochemical staining of neuron-specific antigens and fluorescence in-situ-hybridization, combined with visualization by confocal laser scanning microscopy. New approaches to analysing the structure of the nervous system are also included such as micro-computational tomography, cryo-soft X-ray tomography, and various 3-D visualization techniques. The book follows a systematic and phylogenetic structure, covering a broad range of taxa, interspersed with chapters focusing on selected topics in nervous system functioning which are presented as research highlights and perspectives. This comprehensive reference work will be an essential companion for graduate students and researchers alike in the fields of metazoan neurobiology, morphology, zoology, phylogeny and evolution.

An expanded version of the first edition published in 1971, each section of this second edition has been updated and a new section on nematodes has been added. It is aimed at all workers interested in nematodes irrespective of whether they do research on nematodes that are parasites on animals or plants or free-living in the soil. - Up-to-date literature review of the structures of all types of nematodes, both free living and parasitic - More than 100 photographs and illustrations - New chapter on the pathology of nematodes - Comparisons throughout between the two major groups of nematodes - the Secernentea and Andenophorea

The book integrates our understanding of the factors and processes underlying the evolution of multicellularity by providing several complementary perspectives (both theoretical and experimental) and using examples from various lineages in which multicellularity evolved. Recent years marked an increased interest in understanding how and why these transitions occurred, and data from various fields are providing new insights into the forces driving the several independent transitions to multicellular life as well as into the genetic and molecular basis for the evolution of this phenotype. The ultimate goal of this book is to facilitate the identification of general and unifying principles and mechanisms.

Encouraged by the response to the first edition, this edition highlights the essential and relevant content of physiology with complete and balanced exposition of text with absolute clarity. With the balanced amalgamation of pure and applied text, authors aspire it to be an indispensable text for undergraduates and an authentic reference source for candidates preparing for PG entrance. - Complete and up-to-date text with recent advances incorporated - Illustrated by more than 1000 clear line diagrams - Complemented with numerous tables and flowcharts for quick comprehension - Balanced amalgamation of pure and applied text - Highlights applied aspects of physiology in separate boxes - Systematic organization of text to facilitate easy review - Additional important information has been highlighted in the form of "Important Notes" - Core competencies prescribed by the MCI are covered and competency codes are included in the text

Prompted by the acceptance of the first edition, this endeavour of the author (the 2nd edition) incorporates thoroughly revised and updated text, organized into twelve sections arranged in three parts. Part I: General Physiology – covers the text in five chapters of a section.Part II: Systemic Physiology – comprises a total of ten sections, one on each body system.Part III: Specialized Integrated Physiology – includes seven chapters arranged in a section.• Text completed and updated with recent advances to cater the needs of postgraduates in Physiology.• Quick introduction to functional anatomy followed by systematic presentation of the text is unique feature of this book.• Inclusion of additional molecular and applied aspects makes the special features of this edition.• Applied physiology, highlighted in the boxes, has been expanded and updated with recent concepts on pathophysiology and advances in basic and advanced investigations and therapeutic principles.• Text and figures in an attractive four colored format.• Illustrated with more than eleven hundred colored diagrams with many new additions.• Complemented with numerous tables and flowcharts for quick comprehension.