The Building Blocks of Human Life: Understanding Mature Cells and Stem Cells

by John K. Young

From the Publisher Every human is composed of an amazing assortment of cells and tissues that carry out myriad functions necessary for sustaining life. In this series of lectures, Professor John K. Young of the Howard University College of Medicine takes audiences through the microscope on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of cells and tissues, where a complex scheme of activity is taking place all the time, literally just beneath the surface. In clear, concise language, Professor Young explains the basic categories of cells and tissues and then delves into their specialized functions, whether it be for muscle cells and nervous tissue or the cells of reproductive organs and the highly unusual entities known as "extreme" cells. Finally, Professor Young wraps up the lectures with a topic of universal interest-the death and aging of cells.

Genres: Science, Biology, Audiobook, Nonfiction

Audiobook

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

I'm a professor of Anatomy at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC and teach first-year medical students about the cells and tissues of the body and about the function of the brain. I got my BS from Cornell in 1972 and my PhD from UCLA in 1977. I've published 45 publications in scientific journals or books, and 11 books (4 for the general public, 7 as textbooks or books for scientists). I am married to a wonderful girl named Paula. We both enjoy gardening in our backyard in suburban Virginia and love to look at the many varieties of birds that visit us. We both share an interest in history. We have two sons who live in Maryland and Virginia and who make us very proud.

Reviews

[Jim]

I tried hard to listen to this, but I quit halfway into the second lecture. I gave it some time & came back to it. Looks interesting & the subject seems to be covered reasonably well, but I can NOT stand listening to this guy. Something about his voice is like nails on a chalk board to me. Why? I have no freaking clue, BUT I found Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us to listen to next. Seems like a good idea.

Anyway, I'm not going to rate this book.

Here is the Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Origin of Cell Types
2 Epithelial Cells
3 Muscle Cells
4 Cells of Nervous Tissue
5 Connective Tissue Cells
6 Blood Cells and Their Progenitors
7 Cells of Cartilage and Bone
8 Cells of the Skin
9 Exocrine Cells
10 Endocrine Cells
11 Sensory Cells
12 Cells of Reproductive Organs
13 Extreme Cells
14 Death and Aging of Cells

[Vicki]

I found this book to be very interesting and I learned a lot of new things.

[Paul]

This was a reasonably informative course, but nothing life-changing.

[Lee]

This audiobook takes you on a course explaining the cells of the human body. He first introduces all of the types of cells in the body and then diligently walks through each type discussing their specialized functions and interesting characteristics. This book contains a lot of detail and it is presented to you as if you were sitting in on the end of year summary lecture in an advanced biology program. He uses all of the technical vocabulary that a professor would use talking to a class already familiar with the terminology. This is best as a refresher for medical professional or for the serious biology fan.

[Gypsy]

Felt like I was back in undergrad again, with more new discoveries & advances in research. I've forgortten how much I enjoyed all my biology/genetics lectures.
This audio book is great for people wants to feel like they are back in university, learning from the great professors. Not so good for people who didn't like school the first time around, no amount of 'cool discoveries' would make learning less dry.

[Jackie]

I remember 1% of the information in this book, so this book requires repeat listening and the course guide book as well. Very interesting to have a lecture from a professor who is up to date on the latest research in the subject area. It makes for fluid lectures.

[Warren]

Very technical and not good for someone who is a visual learner, but important to understand. Also did not address stem cell research and production as much as I would have liked.

[Joshout]

Interesting, but beyond me.

[George]

I learned a lot about cells.
Every science major should listen to this audio book.