Cellular Aspects of Smooth Muscle Function

This book provides an up-to-date review of our understanding of smooth muscle and integrates molecular, cellular and physiological information with tissue and anatomical studies. Well-known researchers have written chapters giving detailed reviews of our current knowledge of the biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy of smooth muscle. In particular, they cover the seven most important areas of smooth muscle function including morphology, electrophysiology, mechanisms of electromechanical and pharmacomechanical coupling, calcium homeostasis, signal transduction, mechanics of contraction, and the contractile proteins.

Smooth muscles line many internal organs and, in general, are involved in moving fluids, and slurry around the body. They are controlled by the action of hormones, by nervous stimulation, and can be influenced by drugs. These factors act through a complex system of signals involving receptors, enzymes and inorganic ions. This book provides an up to date review of our understanding of smooth muscle. The focus is on ionic movements, and on electrical, biochemical, and mechanical events in contraction and relaxation and on the underlying structures.