This second edition is an updated version of an introductory level textbook intended for students who are interested in understanding the mechanical properties of smooth muscle. Compared with skeletal and cardiac muscles, smooth muscle is the least understood in terms of its contraction mechanism and the structure of its contractile apparatus. Nevertheless, it is an important tissue that is vital in many organ functions, such as blood pressure control, intestinal peristalsis, and the emptying of the bladder. Dysfunction of the muscle has been implicated in many diseases such as high blood pressure, asthma, and overactive bladders. This is the only book-length treatment of functional models of a variety of smooth muscle behaviors with their corresponding mathematical descriptions, and offers an easy-to-follow, step-by-step mathematical derivation that will help students to appreciate the muscle cell as a fine-tuned aggregate of mechanisms governed by the fundamental laws of physics. In addition to providing a detailed description of the known subcellular structure and mechanical function of the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle, it also covers experimentation techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis. The book is a must-have information source for anyone interested in smooth muscle cell ultrastructure, physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology.

This is an introductory level textbook for students who are interested in understanding mechanical properties of smooth muscle, a vital tissue that is instrumental in many organ functions such as blood pressure control, intestinal peristalsis, and emptying of a bladder. Dysfunction of the muscle has been implicated in many diseases such as high blood pressure, asthma, and overactive bladders. This is the first book-length treatment of functional models of a variety of smooth muscle behaviors with mathematical description. No prior knowledge of muscle physiology is required. An easy-to-follow, step-by-step mathematical derivation helps students to appreciate the muscle cell as a fine-tuned aggregate of mechanisms governed by fundamental laws of physics. This book is useful for students and researchers in life sciences who are interested in the basic mechanism of muscle contraction or who simply use the tissue as a tool in their investigation. Besides a detailed description of the known subcellular structure and mechanical function of the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle, it also covers experimentation techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis, a must-have information source for anyone interested in smooth muscle cell physiology.

A version of the OpenStax text

The motivation for writing aseries ofbooks on biomechanics is to bring this rapidly developing subject to students of bioengineering, physiology, and mechanics. In the last decade biomechanics has become a recognized disci pline offered in virtually all universities. Yet there is no adequate textbook for instruction; neither is there a treatise with sufficiently broad coverage. A few books bearing the title of biomechanics are too elementary, others are too specialized. I have long feIt a need for a set of books that will inform students of the physiological and medical applications of biomechanics, and at the same time develop their training in mechanics. We cannot assume that all students come to biomechanics already fully trained in fluid and solid mechanics; their knowledge in these subjects has to be developed as the course proceeds. The scheme adopted in the present series is as follows. First, some basic training in mechanics, to a level about equivalent to the first seven chapters of the author's A First Course in Continuum Mechanics (Prentice-Hall,lnc. 1977), is assumed. We then present some essential parts of biomechanics from the point of view of bioengineering, physiology, and medical applications. In the meantime, mechanics is developed through a sequence of problems and examples. The main text reads like physiology, while the exercises are planned like a mechanics textbook. The instructor may fil1 a dual role: teaching an essential branch of life science, and gradually developing the student's knowledge in mechanics.

Gastroparesis is an increasingly recognized disorder. Treatment can be difficult due to the several mechanisms for symptom production. Gastroparesis: Pathophysiology, Presentation and Treatment serves as a concise reference on this disorder that allows clinicians to quickly access and evaluate the necessary information for treating and managing patients with gastroparesis. Each chapter is written by experts in their respective area. The volume will enable the reader to better understand all aspects of this disorder. The book presents current concepts in a variety of areas opening with the epidemiology, clinical presentation and pathophysiology of gastroparesis. The natural history of patients is explored as well as evaluation of patients with suspected gastroparesis. This section includes chapters on Wireless Capsule Motility, Electrogastrography and Antroduodenal Manometry. This important resource concludes with a full section on treatment including dietary, prokinetic, antiemetic, sensory, electric stimulation, and surgical methods. New developments include the use of gastric electric stimulation for treatment, the use of SmartPill for diagnosis, and a number of new agents in development for this disorder. Gastroparesis: Pathophysiology, Presentation and Treatment is the ideal reference for gastroenterologists, and also for surgeons, endocrinologists, primary care physicians and nutritionists looking to keep pace with the latest information treatment options for their patients.

Biofluid Mechanics: An Introduction to Fluid Mechanics, Macrocirculation, and Microcirculation, Third Edition shows how fluid mechanics principles can be applied not only to blood circulation, but also to air flow through the lungs, joint lubrication, intraocular fluid movement, renal transport, and other specialty circulations. This new edition contains new homework problems and worked examples, including MATLAB-based examples. In addition, new content has been added on such relevant topics as Womersley and Oscillatory Flows. With advanced topics in the text now denoted for instructor convenience, this book is particularly suitable for both senior and graduate-level courses in biofluids. - Uses language and math that is appropriate and conducive for undergraduate and first-year graduate learning - Contains new worked examples and end-of-chapter problems - Covers topics in the traditional biofluids curriculum, also addressing other systems in the body - Discusses clinical applications throughout the book, providing practical applications for the concepts discussed - Includes more advanced topics to help instructors teach an undergraduate course without a loss of continuity in the class