While still in denial mode regarding the end of the Philippine summer vacation, I opened my Textbook of Medical Physiology by Guyton & Hall.
Then it was as if the soul of Guyton* came alive through the text. I felt as if he was personally speaking to me about the human heart. The mystery endless pumping that signified life seemed to be unveiled with every minute I spent with him.
The SA node became familiar to me. The AV node almost became my friend. The Purkinje system seemed to be saying “hi”.
Then he introduced me to blood pressure control mechanisms. Baroreceptors offered their hands for shaking. Carotid sinuses gave me a peck in the cheek. I wiped the smudge quickly. I wouldn’t want the the Glossopharyngeal Nerve to get jealous.
Then it hit me. I must have been missing the book for the entire time that I didn’t open it during summer. Nevertheless, I quickly dismissed that thought. It was obvious that it was Guyton who really missed me.
*The great physiologist Guyton passed away on 2003…
PS Hall does not miss me as much..
