1. History -- 2. The atmosphere -- 3. Geography and the human response to altitude -- 4. Genetics and high altitude -- 5. Altitude acclimatization and deterioration -- 6. Control of breathing at high altitude -- 7. Pulmonary gas exchange -- 8. Cardiovascular system -- 9. Hematology -- 10. Blood-gas transport and acid-base balance -- 11. Peripheral tissues -- 12. Exercise -- 13. Limiting factors at extreme altitude -- 14. Sleep -- 15. Nutrition, metabolism and intestinal function -- 16. Endocrine and renal systems at altitude -- 17. Central nervous system -- 18. High altitude populations -- 19. Acute mountain sickness -- 20. High altitude cerebral edema -- 21. High altitude pulmonary edema -- 22. Chronic mountain sickness and high altitude pulmonary hypertension -- 23. Other altitude-related conditions -- 24. Physiology and medical aspects of heat and cold -- 25. Pre-existing medical conditions at altitude -- 26. Women at altitude -- 27. Extremes of age at altitude: children and the elderly -- 28. Commercial, scientific and military activities at high altitude -- 29. Athletes and altitude.