Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System

With Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System, respected functional anatomy authority James Watkins delivers the first book that integrates anatomy and biomechanics to describe the intimate relationship between structure and function.

Drawing from his 23 years of international teaching and research experience, Dr. Watkins creates a unique text that thoroughly explores the biomechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal components and the response and adaptation of these components to the physical stress imposed by everyday activities.

In Part I, Dr. Watkins develops the concept of the musculoskeletal system as a machine capable of generating and transmitting forces. Part II examines the functional anatomy of the muscular and skeletal systems, while Part III addresses musculoskeletal response and adaptation to loading.

Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System presents:

-(mechanical concepts and principles that underlie human movement and the basic structure and function of the musculoskeletal system;

-functional anatomy of the musculoskeletal system featuring chapters on the skeleton, connective tissues, the articular system, joints of the axial skeleton, joints of the appendicular skeleton, the neuromuscular system, and forces in muscles and joints;

-mechanical characteristics of musculoskeletal components;

-structural adaptation of the musculoskeletal system; and

-etiology of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries.
The information contained in this book is essential for students and practitioners interested in understanding the workings of a healthy musculoskeletal system.
This book uses an open learning model, featuring chapter overviews, key terms, and learning objectives. The book is also packed with excellent illustrations, diagrams, and conceptual models. Students new to anatomy or biomechanics will benefit from the book's reader-friendly structure featuring an instructive glossary that runs parallel to the text and its use of applied examples, summaries, review questions, references, and an extensive subject index.

James Watkins, PhD, teaches functional anatomy and biomechanics at the University of Wales Swansea. He formerly taught at the Scottish School of Sport Studies at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, where he served as department head from 1989 to 1994.

Dr. Watkins' publications include more than 70 academic journal papers and four books. He is an advisory board member of the Journal of Sports Sciences and an editorial board member of the European Journal of Physical Education and the British Journal of Physical Education. He was chair of the Biomechanics section of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences from 1993 to 1996.

Dr. Watkins received his PhD in biomechanics from the University of Leeds, England, in 1975.