Updated to include quick reference tables, an overview of the gross anatomy of the body area and the nerve pathways that are most relevant, and a new chapter on the pelvic floor muscles, the fourth edition of this authoritative, best-selling book offers a comprehensive introduction to the muscular system.

This newly revised fourth edition of The Concise Book of Muscles is a comprehensive guide to the major muscle groups. Fully illustrated with more than 500 drawings, and easy to use, this compact reference provides a complete profile for each muscle, clearly showing its origin, insertion, nerve supply, and action, the movements that use it, and, where appropriate, exercises that stretch and strengthen it.

The book's distinctive quick-reference format shows students exactly how to locate and identify specific muscles, highlighting those that are heavily used and therefore subject to injury in a variety of sports and activities. Each muscle chapter now includes an overview of the gross anatomy of the body area to show bony landmarks, cross-sections of muscle layers, and points of attachment as well as a quick reference table and an overview of the nerve pathways that are most relevant. The book also includes a new chapter on the pelvic floor muscles--of particular interest to those studying or practicing yoga and Pilates--as well as a 20"x35" detachable muscle wall chart.

While designed for the student and beginning practitioner of anatomy, massage, bodywork, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, physiotherapy, yoga, and Pilates or any other health-related field, The Concise Book of Muscles is equally useful for athletes and anyone interested in the workings of the human body.