Nerve and Muscle

Written with undergraduate students in mind, the new edition of this classic textbook provides a compact introduction to the physiology of nerve and muscle. It gives a straightforward account of the fundamentals of this subject, accompanied by some of the experimental evidence upon which this understanding is based.

It first explores the nature of nerve impulses, clarifying their underlying mechanisms in terms ofion flow through molecular channels in the cell membrane. There then follows an account of the synaptic transmission processes by which one excitable cell influences activity in another. Finally, the emphasis turns to the consequences of excitable activity in the form of the activation of contraction in skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle, highlighting the relationships between cellular structure and function.

This fourth edition includes new material on the molecular nature ofion channels, the activation of skeletal muscle and the function of cardiac and smooth muscle, reflecting exciting new developments in these rapidly growing fields.

`Huang has taken on the mammoth task of bringing the book up to date and has succeeded in maintaining the enthusiastic and eminently readable approach the Keynes and Aidley, who created one of the greatest physiology books covering the crucial areas of nerve and muscle. The fascinating historical perspectives on the discovery of membrane potentials, the transmission of nerve impulses and their molecular basis are essential reading for students of medicine and physiology with a curiosity about scientific methods, and progress.' Michael A. Ferenczi, Imperial College London

`This book is a beautifully written gem. It is clearly illustrated, and it makes one of the most difficult areas of biology completely accessible. It should find its way onto the bookshelves of electrophysiologists everywhere and any students who aspire to master one of the most exciting areas of modern biology.' Denis Noble, University of Oxford