Essentials of Physiology for Dental Students 4/ed

Complete Physiology Textbook for BDS 1st-Year Students | 4th Edition | DCI Curriculum | Applied Physiology & Section-wise Model Questions

About the Book

Essentials of Physiology for Dental Students, 4th Edition by K. Sembulingam and Prema Sembulingam is a comprehensive textbook specifically designed to meet the academic requirements of dental students.

The fourth edition has been updated according to modern dental-science curriculum requirements and presents fundamental concepts of physiology in a clear and concise manner. It integrates pathophysiological facts and applied physiology relevant to dental practice, helping students connect theoretical concepts with clinical applications.

The book uses attractive tables and figures, important fact boxes and section-wise model questions to make learning, revision and examination preparation easier.

Key Features

• 4th Edition – 2026
• Specifically designed for BDS 1st-year students
• Based on current dental curriculum requirements
• Clear and concise presentation of fundamental physiology
• Updated pathophysiological facts
• Important applied physiology concepts highlighted in boxes
• Attractive tables and figures
• Section-wise model questions
• Helps students assess their understanding
• Useful for BDS university examination preparation
• Covers the major systems and principles of human physiology
• Student-friendly formatting for easier revision

Table of Contents

Major Topics Covered

General Physiology

• Cell and cellular functions
• Homeostasis
• Transport across cell membranes
• Body fluids

Blood

• Blood composition and functions
• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Hemostasis and coagulation
• Blood groups
• Blood transfusion

Muscle Physiology

• Skeletal muscle
• Smooth muscle
• Cardiac muscle
• Neuromuscular junction
• Muscle contraction

Digestive System

• Salivary secretion
• Gastric secretion
• Pancreatic secretion
• Liver and biliary functions
• Intestinal functions
• Gastrointestinal movements

Renal Physiology

• Kidney and nephron
• Renal circulation
• Urine formation
• Concentration of urine
• Acid-base balance
• Micturition
• Renal function tests

Endocrinology

• Pituitary gland
• Thyroid gland
• Parathyroid glands
• Pancreatic hormones
• Adrenal glands
• Other endocrine organs

Reproductive Physiology

• Male reproductive system
• Female reproductive system
• Menstrual cycle
• Pregnancy

Cardiovascular System

• Heart and circulation
• Cardiac cycle
• Heart sounds
• ECG
• Cardiac output
• Blood pressure
• Regulation of blood pressure
• Regional circulation

Respiratory System

• Mechanics of respiration
• Pulmonary circulation
• Pulmonary function
• Gas exchange
• Transport of respiratory gases
• Regulation of respiration
• Hypoxia

Nervous System

• Reflexes
• Spinal cord
• Sensory and motor systems
• Pain
• Cerebellum
• Basal ganglia
• Hypothalamus
• Cerebral cortex
• Autonomic nervous system
• Sleep
• Higher functions

Special Senses

• Eye and vision
• Visual pathway
• Hearing
• Auditory pathway
• Taste
• Smell

Learning Outcomes

After studying this book, students should be able to:

• Explain the basic principles of human physiology.
• Understand cellular functions and homeostasis.
• Describe the composition and functions of blood and body fluids.
• Explain skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscle physiology.
• Understand the physiological functions of the digestive system.
• Explain kidney function and urine formation.
• Understand endocrine regulation and hormonal functions.
• Describe male and female reproductive physiology.
• Explain cardiac function, circulation and blood-pressure regulation.
• Understand respiration and gas exchange.
• Explain the functions of the nervous system.
• Understand the physiology of vision, hearing, taste and smell.
• Relate physiological concepts to dental and clinical applications.
• Use section-wise questions for self-assessment and examination preparation.

Ideal For

• BDS 1st-Year Students
• Dental students
• BDS examination preparation
• Dental colleges and universities
• Students studying Human Physiology
• Students preparing for university examinations
• Dental faculty and teachers
• Students looking for a dedicated physiology textbook for BDS

Why Buy This Book?

• Designed specifically for dental students
• Updated 4th edition
• Suitable for the BDS 1st-year curriculum
• Explains physiology in a clear, student-friendly manner
• Includes applied physiology relevant to dentistry
• Important concepts are supported by tables and figures
• Fact boxes make important points easier to revise
• Section-wise model questions support examination preparation
• Comprehensive 740-page textbook
• Useful for both concept building and revision

About the Authors

K. Sembulingam

Dr. K. Sembulingam, PhD is an experienced physiology educator and author with extensive experience in teaching physiology to medical and dental students.

He is listed as Visiting Professor in Advanced Physiology at Datta Meghe Medical College, Nagpur, and Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra.

Prema Sembulingam

Dr. Prema Sembulingam, PhD is an experienced physiology educator and co-author of widely used physiology textbooks.

Her academic career includes teaching and professorial positions at institutions including MR Medical College, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Sathyabama University Dental College and Hospital, and other medical institutions.