This logically-organized reference for exercise physiologists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports medics, and strength and conditioning specialists refers to classic texts in muscle physiology and to recent discoveries in the field. It also includes research methodology and results. The author first examines the wide-ranging information known about skeletal muscle, and then provides practical examples of how physiological concepts are related to clinical disorders resulting from muscle or nerve fibre defects. He explains how muscle structure translates into function; how muscles develop in the embryo and obtain their nerve supply; the cellular processes which take place when muscles work, and how certain clinical disorders result from specific defects in muscle and nerve.