Donna Rae Siegfried

Donna Rae Siegfried has instructed anatomy and physiology courses at the college level. They are the coauthors of Anatomy & Physiology For Dummies, 2nd Edition.

Articles & Books From Donna Rae Siegfried

Article / Updated 10-29-2025
The anatomical regions (shown in the diagrams below) compartmentalize the human body. Just like on a map, a region refers to a certain area. The body is divided into two major portions: axial and appendicular.The axial body runs right down the center (axis) and consists of everything except the limbs, meaning the head, neck, thorax (chest and back), abdomen, and pelvis.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-20-2022
The human body is a beautiful and efficient system well worth study. In order to study and talk about anatomy and physiology, you need to start from an agreed-upon view of the human body. Anatomical position for the human form is the figure standing upright, eyes looking forward, upper extremities at the sides of the body with palms turned out.
Anatomy Essentials For Dummies
Anatomy Essentials For Dummies (9781119590156) was previously published as Anatomy Essentials For Dummies (9781118184219). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. The core concepts you need to ace Anatomy Perfect for those just starting out or returning to Anatomy after some time away, Anatomy Essentials For Dummies focuses on core concepts taught (and tested on!
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Biology Essentials For Dummies
Biology Essentials For Dummies (9781119589587) was previously published as Biology Essentials For Dummies (9781118072677). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. Just the core concepts you need to score high in your biology course Biology Essentials For Dummies focuses on just the core concepts you need to succeed in an introductory biology course.
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Article / Updated 04-23-2019
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that can turn a single copy of a gene into more than a billion copies in just a few hours. It gives medical researchers the ability to make many copies of a gene whenever they want to genetically engineer something. For years, the very structure of DNA made studying it rather challenging.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Almost all the structures of anatomy are built of cells, and almost all the functions of physiology are carried out within cells. A comprehensive list of cell functions would be impossible, but you can group cell functions into a few main categories. Building cells Cells arise from other cells and nowhere else.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Terms that indicate direction make no sense if you're looking at the body the wrong way. You likely know your right from your left, but ignoring perspective can get you all mixed up. Stand up straight. Look forward. Let your arms hang down at your sides and turn your palms so they're facing forward. You are now in anatomical position.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Your body's reactions that convert fuel (specifically glucose) to usable energy (ATP molecules) include glycolysis, the Krebs cycle (aerobic respiration) and anaerobic respiration, and oxidative phosphorylation. Together, these reactions are referred to as cellular respiration.These are complex pathways, so expect to take some time to understand them.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
Taxonomy is the science that seeks to classify and organize living things, expressed as a series of mutually exclusive categories. The highest (most inclusive) category is domain, of which there are three: Archea, Eubacteria, Eukaryota. Each of these domains is split into kingdoms, which are further divided until each individual organism is its own unique species.
Article / Updated 06-14-2017
A watery environment is a requirement for a great proportion of your body's metabolic reactions (the rest need a lipid, or fatty, environment). The body contains a lot of water: in your blood, in your cells, in the spaces between your cells, in your digestive organs, here, there, and everywhere.Not pure water, though.