The chapters contained in this two-volume set provide a broad perspective on the novel strategies and conceptual paradigms that drive the current resurgence of interest in somitogenesis - the process by which somites form and elaborate differentiated tissues and structures. Because somites are a ubiquitous feature of vertebrate embryos, they can be studied in a variety of experimental animal models including those amenable to genetic (zebrafish, mammalian), molecular/genetic (mammalian, avian) as well as those already well established for classical experimental embryological and cell biological studies (amphibians, avian). The wide variety of experimental approaches to somitogenesis that are presented in these volumes will leave the reader with a broad perspective on how current research in somitogenesis is helping to solve fundamental questions in vertebrate development and morphogenesis. - Novel transcriptional mechanisms that control repetitive pattern formation - Wide-scale genetic screens for mutations affecting somitogenesis - Molecular/genetic control of pattern and tissue formation during somitogenesis - Transplantation of mouse embryo somites - Classical embryological approaches and concepts - Evolutionary perspectives on somitogenesis

Building the Most Complex Structure on Earth provides readers with a basic biological education an easy and understandable introduction into a new epigenetic theory of development and evolution. This is a novel theory that describes the epigenetic mechanisms of the development and evolution of animals and explains the colossal evolution and diversification of animals from a new post-genetic perspective. Modern biology has demonstrated the existence of a common genetic toolkit in the animal kingdom, but neither the number of genes nor the evolution of new genes is responsible for the development and evolution of animals. The failure to understand how the same genetic toolkit is used to produce millions of widely different animal forms remains a perplexing conundrum in modern biology. The novel theory shows that the development and evolution of the animal kingdom are functions of epigenetic mechanisms, which are the competent users of the genetic toolkit. - Provides a comprehensive view of the epigenetic aspects of reproduction, development, and evolution. - Highly rigorous, but simple enough for readers with only a basic knowledge of biology.

Somite development is a unique and important topic; unique because somitic mesoderm is the first tissue to become segmented, important because the somites - once established - exert a profound influence on other seg mental structures which form later. Somite development is of interest at a number of levels. In one aspect, demarcation of a specific number of somites and size regulation, it is a particularly intriguing example of embryonic pattern formation, 'especially in vew of its possible relation to homoeobox-controlled segmentation in insects. At another level, somite development has long been studied by compara tive anatomists, but only recently has new light been thrown on such sub jects as segmentation of the head, proposed in the 18th century by Goethe and now a live issue for developmental biologists. Somit es are simple when they first appear, but very complex structures arise from them. These include the vertebrae and the axial and other muscles and consequently there is a wealth of morphogenetic problems to be explored. Sometimes their morphogenesis is disturbed, by genetic or environ mental factors, and there are many clinical conditions which arise as a result.

The third volume of Progress in Spinal Pathology gathers a selection of papers presented at the 7th National Meeting of the Italian Scoliosis Research Group on Congenital Scoliosis. Up until 20 years ago congenital scoliosis was considered to be a practically benign disease characterized by a slight progression of spinal deformity and its prognosis was consequently good. This statement has recently turned out to be too optimistic. Deeper studies on spinal pathology have proved the existence of highly progressive forms of congenital scoliosis often associated with other diseases affecting the urinary and cardiac systems and above all the spinal cord. As a result a careful evaluation of the patient is necessary before any type of surgical treatment may be initiated, in order to reduce the risk of irreversible lesions to the spinal cord to a minimum. This volume encompasses all clinical and diagnostic aspects of the subject including the latest achievements and techniques of treatment. Furthermore it is completed by eminent studies on subjects of great interest such as imperfect osteogenesis, cervical and cranial abnormalities in von Recklinghausen's disease, experimental comparative analysis of different types of instrumentation used in the surgical treatment of vertebral fractures, rib resection following vertebral arthrodesis for cases of thoracic idiopathic scoliosis, and anesthesia in vertebral surgery for spinal muscle atrophy.

The chapters contained in this two-volume set provide a broad perspective on the novel strategies and conceptual paradigms that drive the current resurgence of interest in somitogenesis - the process by which somites form and elaborate differentiated tissues and structures. Because somites are a ubiquitous feature of vertebrate embryos, they can be studied in a variety of experimental animal models including those amenable to genetic (zebrafish, mammalian), molecular/genetic (mammalian, avian) as well as those already well established for classical experimental embryological and cell biological studies (amphibians, avian). The wide variety of experimental approaches to somitogenesis that are presented in these volumes will leave the reader with a broad perspective on how current research in somitogenesis is helping to solve fundamental questions in vertebrate development and morphogenesis.Key Features:* Novel transcriptional mechanisms that control repetitive pattern formation* Wide scale genetic screens for mutations affecting somitogenesis* Molecular/genetic control of pattern and tissue formation during somitogenesis* Transplantation of mouse embryo somites* Classical embryological approaches and concepts* Evolutionary perspectives on somitogenesis

The different aspects of muscle development are considered from cellular, molecular and genetic viewpoints, and the text is supported by black/white and color illustrations. The book will appeal to those studying muscle development and muscle biology in any organism.