Frederic (Ric) H. Martini, PhD (author) received his PhD from Cornell University in comparative and functional anatomy for work on the pathophysiology of stress. His publications include journal articles, technical reports, magazine articles and a book for naturalists about the biology and geology of tropical islands. He is the author or coauthor of six other undergraduate texts on anatomy and physiology or anatomy. He has been affiliated with the University of Hawaii (Hilo and Manoa) and the Shoals Marine Laboratory, a joint venture between Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Martini, President of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society (2005-2006), is a member of the American Physiological Society, the American Association of Anatomists, the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, the Western Society of Naturalists, and the International Society of Vertebrate Morphologists.

Edwin F. Bartholomew, MS (author) received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and his MS from the University of Hawaii. His interests range widely, from human anatomy and physiology to paleontology, the marine environment and “backyard” aquaculture. Mr. Bartholomew has taught human anatomy and physiology at both the secondary and undergraduate levels. In addition, he has taught a wide variety of other science courses (from botany to zoology) at Maui Community College. He is presently teaching at historic Lahainaluna High School, the oldest high school west of the Rockies. He has written journal articles, a weekly newspaper column and many magazine articles. Working with Dr. Martini, he co-authored Structure and Function of the Human Body (Prentice Hall, 1999) and The Human Body in Health and Disease (Prentice Hall, 2000). Mr. Bartholomew is a member of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the National Science Teachers Association, the Hawaii Science Teachers Association, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Bryan E. Bledsoe, DO, FACEP, FAEMS (author) is an emergency physician with a special interest in prehospital care. He received his BS degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and his medical degree from the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center. He completed his internship at Texas Tech University and residency training at Scott and White Memorial Hospital/Texas A&M College of Medicine. Dr. Bledsoe is board certified in emergency medicine and emergency medical services, and he is a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine in Las Vegas, NV, and an attending physician at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Bledsoe worked as an EMT, a paramedic and a paramedic instructor. He completed EMT training in 1974 and paramedic training in 1976 and worked for six years as a field paramedic in Fort Worth, TX. In 1979, he joined the faculty of the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center and served as coordinator of EMT and paramedic education programs at the university. Dr. Bledsoe is active in emergency medicine and EMS research. He is a popular speaker at state, national and international seminars and writes regularly for numerous EMS journals. He is married to Emma Bledsoe and resides in Midlothian, TX, and Las Vegas, NV.

Kathleen Welch, MD (clinical consultant)

William C. Ober, MD (art coordinator and illustrator)

Claire W. Garrison, RN (illustrator)

Ralph T. Hutchings (biomedical photographer)