The Massage Connection, Second Edition is the anatomy and physiology text written especially for massage therapy students and practitioners. It integrates massage therapy concepts with anatomy and physiology and discusses how massage interacts with body systems. Enhanced by over 550 full-colour illustrations, the text thoroughly explains the major body systems crucial to massage therapyuintegumentary, skeletal, muscular, and nervousuand provides overviews of other body systems. Special boxes highlight information directly applicable to massage practice. The muscular system chapter includes a quick-reference Muscle Table listing muscle names, origin, insertion, action, and nerve supply. Each chapter includes review questions and exercises.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Integumentary system Skeletal system and Joints Muscular system - Muscle tissue & Physiology of muscle contraction - Muscle Contraction - Muscle Energetics - Cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscle - Muscle terminology - Origin and insertion of muscles Nervous system - Organization of the nervous system - Sensory nervous system - The brain and its divisions - Cranial nerves - Control of posture and movement - Autonomic nervous system Cardiovascular system - Blood - Heart and circulation - Dynamics of blood flow - Regulation of the cardiovascular system Lymphatic system & Immunity - Body Fluid Compartments - The Lymphatic System - Immunity Respiratory system - The anatomy of the respiratory system - Mechanics of respiration - Regulation of respiration Endocrine system Reproductive system - The male reproductive system - The female reproductive system - Pregnancy Digestive system Urinary system Learning aid for surface anatomy & muscle Pathological/Physiological conditions - Basic concepts of disease & illness - Inflammation and healing - Neoplasia - Pain - Stress - Aging Case studies Word index & key references