Author: Maxick
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781456301705
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 134
Book Description
Find more similar titles and get a free catalog at www.StrongmanBooks.com The classic book on Muscle Control from one of the best ever at the art, Maxick, the oldtime strongman. If you're looking to develop tremendous will power, control over your muscles, the ability to tense and relax at will then this book is a must. Born as a small child and attacked with rickets, he shortly became a robust young lad through his practice of muscle control. He went on to become one of the strongest people of his time, while maintaining a very small bodyweight. Here are Maxick's Amazing Feats Of Strength at a Weight of less than 147lbs: Right Hand Military Press, 112 pounds Right Hand Snatch, 165 pounds Right Hand Swing with Dumbbell, 150 pounds. Right Hand Jerk, 240 pounds Two Hands Military Press, 230 pounds Two Hands Clean and Jerk with Barbell, 272 pounds. Two Hands Continental Jerk with Barbell, 340 pounds In a contest at finger-pulling, in which Maxick was "unbeatable," Maxick could pull a 200-pound opponent clear across the table that separated the two men. He pressed van Diggelen (185 pounds) overhead 16 times with his right arm, while holding in his left hand a glass of beer full to the brim, without spilling a drop. Earlier that same day, he had pressed Fred Storbeek (205 pounds), who was then the heavyweight British Empire Boxing Champion, 11 times with his right arm. Holding van Diggelen aloft on one arm, Maxick ran up two flights of stairs with him and then ran down the two flights. Then standing on his hands, he in that position ran up the two flights and down again. Pretty amazing stuff right? And Maxick attributes his strength to muscle control. Plus here is what Maxick has to say regarding the Mind-Muscle connection: "THE SERIOUS student of muscle-control will soon become aware of the fact that his willpower had become greater, and his mental faculties clearer and capable of increased concentration. Thus it will be observed that the controlling of the muscles reacts upon the mind and strengthens the mental powers in exactly the same proportion that the control of the muscles strengthens the body and limbs." Here are the subject headings found within this book: Myself My Early Years Attacked by Rickets A Weakling Among the Robust A Momentous Happening Muscle-Control My Health Improves Work, but nourishment Contraction How Muscle Control was Revealed to Me How Mechanical Exercise May Hinder Muscle Development The Case of the Stonemason Muscle-Relaxation What is Meant by Muscle Control Muscle-Binding I Become a Champion Passive Condition of Relaxation I Take Up Weight-Lifting I Win an Open Championship All Three Championships My First Pupil I Come to England Maxick's Lifting Will-Power and Muscle-Control A Few Hints You'll also find 21 exercises that cover the body form the head to the toes. Although this is the best and most famous Maxick wrote a number of other books like Great Strength with Muscle Control, How to Become a Great Athlete and Health, Strength & Will Power.
Muscle Control
Author: Maxick
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781456301705
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 134
Book Description
Find more similar titles and get a free catalog at www.StrongmanBooks.com The classic book on Muscle Control from one of the best ever at the art, Maxick, the oldtime strongman. If you're looking to develop tremendous will power, control over your muscles, the ability to tense and relax at will then this book is a must. Born as a small child and attacked with rickets, he shortly became a robust young lad through his practice of muscle control. He went on to become one of the strongest people of his time, while maintaining a very small bodyweight. Here are Maxick's Amazing Feats Of Strength at a Weight of less than 147lbs: Right Hand Military Press, 112 pounds Right Hand Snatch, 165 pounds Right Hand Swing with Dumbbell, 150 pounds. Right Hand Jerk, 240 pounds Two Hands Military Press, 230 pounds Two Hands Clean and Jerk with Barbell, 272 pounds. Two Hands Continental Jerk with Barbell, 340 pounds In a contest at finger-pulling, in which Maxick was "unbeatable," Maxick could pull a 200-pound opponent clear across the table that separated the two men. He pressed van Diggelen (185 pounds) overhead 16 times with his right arm, while holding in his left hand a glass of beer full to the brim, without spilling a drop. Earlier that same day, he had pressed Fred Storbeek (205 pounds), who was then the heavyweight British Empire Boxing Champion, 11 times with his right arm. Holding van Diggelen aloft on one arm, Maxick ran up two flights of stairs with him and then ran down the two flights. Then standing on his hands, he in that position ran up the two flights and down again. Pretty amazing stuff right? And Maxick attributes his strength to muscle control. Plus here is what Maxick has to say regarding the Mind-Muscle connection: "THE SERIOUS student of muscle-control will soon become aware of the fact that his willpower had become greater, and his mental faculties clearer and capable of increased concentration. Thus it will be observed that the controlling of the muscles reacts upon the mind and strengthens the mental powers in exactly the same proportion that the control of the muscles strengthens the body and limbs." Here are the subject headings found within this book: Myself My Early Years Attacked by Rickets A Weakling Among the Robust A Momentous Happening Muscle-Control My Health Improves Work, but nourishment Contraction How Muscle Control was Revealed to Me How Mechanical Exercise May Hinder Muscle Development The Case of the Stonemason Muscle-Relaxation What is Meant by Muscle Control Muscle-Binding I Become a Champion Passive Condition of Relaxation I Take Up Weight-Lifting I Win an Open Championship All Three Championships My First Pupil I Come to England Maxick's Lifting Will-Power and Muscle-Control A Few Hints You'll also find 21 exercises that cover the body form the head to the toes. Although this is the best and most famous Maxick wrote a number of other books like Great Strength with Muscle Control, How to Become a Great Athlete and Health, Strength & Will Power.
Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub
ISBN: 9781456301705
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 134
Book Description
Find more similar titles and get a free catalog at www.StrongmanBooks.com The classic book on Muscle Control from one of the best ever at the art, Maxick, the oldtime strongman. If you're looking to develop tremendous will power, control over your muscles, the ability to tense and relax at will then this book is a must. Born as a small child and attacked with rickets, he shortly became a robust young lad through his practice of muscle control. He went on to become one of the strongest people of his time, while maintaining a very small bodyweight. Here are Maxick's Amazing Feats Of Strength at a Weight of less than 147lbs: Right Hand Military Press, 112 pounds Right Hand Snatch, 165 pounds Right Hand Swing with Dumbbell, 150 pounds. Right Hand Jerk, 240 pounds Two Hands Military Press, 230 pounds Two Hands Clean and Jerk with Barbell, 272 pounds. Two Hands Continental Jerk with Barbell, 340 pounds In a contest at finger-pulling, in which Maxick was "unbeatable," Maxick could pull a 200-pound opponent clear across the table that separated the two men. He pressed van Diggelen (185 pounds) overhead 16 times with his right arm, while holding in his left hand a glass of beer full to the brim, without spilling a drop. Earlier that same day, he had pressed Fred Storbeek (205 pounds), who was then the heavyweight British Empire Boxing Champion, 11 times with his right arm. Holding van Diggelen aloft on one arm, Maxick ran up two flights of stairs with him and then ran down the two flights. Then standing on his hands, he in that position ran up the two flights and down again. Pretty amazing stuff right? And Maxick attributes his strength to muscle control. Plus here is what Maxick has to say regarding the Mind-Muscle connection: "THE SERIOUS student of muscle-control will soon become aware of the fact that his willpower had become greater, and his mental faculties clearer and capable of increased concentration. Thus it will be observed that the controlling of the muscles reacts upon the mind and strengthens the mental powers in exactly the same proportion that the control of the muscles strengthens the body and limbs." Here are the subject headings found within this book: Myself My Early Years Attacked by Rickets A Weakling Among the Robust A Momentous Happening Muscle-Control My Health Improves Work, but nourishment Contraction How Muscle Control was Revealed to Me How Mechanical Exercise May Hinder Muscle Development The Case of the Stonemason Muscle-Relaxation What is Meant by Muscle Control Muscle-Binding I Become a Champion Passive Condition of Relaxation I Take Up Weight-Lifting I Win an Open Championship All Three Championships My First Pupil I Come to England Maxick's Lifting Will-Power and Muscle-Control A Few Hints You'll also find 21 exercises that cover the body form the head to the toes. Although this is the best and most famous Maxick wrote a number of other books like Great Strength with Muscle Control, How to Become a Great Athlete and Health, Strength & Will Power.
How to Learn Muscle Control
Author: Otto Arco
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781477633137
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 108
Book Description
"This ... is the joint work of Otto Arco and myself. The division of labor is somewhat unequal. Arco does all the work of posing and supplies all the details of instruction. All that I do is to get the material together, to expand his all-too-brief notes, to comment on his ideas and attend to the publication. Personally I have been familiar with the subject of muscle-control since thirty years ago, when I saw it demonstrated by Checkley, by Sandow and by the dozens of performers who imitated his posing act. Sandow used muscle-control as a part of his posing; that is, many of his poses depended for their effectiveness on his ability to control, and thus display, his muscles. Those who reproduced his act, reproduced his poses, as well as they could; but there was no decided advance in the art of muscle- control until Arco came along. He not only was able to duplicate all the control feats of his predecessor, but by reason of his study and knowledge, could and did, originate a lot of new feats; getting his own muscles under the control of his will to a degree that no one else has been able to even approximate—much less equal." -Alan CalvertThis is a restored edition of Arco and Calvert's 1925 classic. The text remains exactly as written. This book has many pages with old photographs and illustrations. This is a must have book for your physical culture library. Visit us and see all of our books at Physical Culture Books.com
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781477633137
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 108
Book Description
"This ... is the joint work of Otto Arco and myself. The division of labor is somewhat unequal. Arco does all the work of posing and supplies all the details of instruction. All that I do is to get the material together, to expand his all-too-brief notes, to comment on his ideas and attend to the publication. Personally I have been familiar with the subject of muscle-control since thirty years ago, when I saw it demonstrated by Checkley, by Sandow and by the dozens of performers who imitated his posing act. Sandow used muscle-control as a part of his posing; that is, many of his poses depended for their effectiveness on his ability to control, and thus display, his muscles. Those who reproduced his act, reproduced his poses, as well as they could; but there was no decided advance in the art of muscle- control until Arco came along. He not only was able to duplicate all the control feats of his predecessor, but by reason of his study and knowledge, could and did, originate a lot of new feats; getting his own muscles under the control of his will to a degree that no one else has been able to even approximate—much less equal." -Alan CalvertThis is a restored edition of Arco and Calvert's 1925 classic. The text remains exactly as written. This book has many pages with old photographs and illustrations. This is a must have book for your physical culture library. Visit us and see all of our books at Physical Culture Books.com
Willpower
Author: Roy F. Baumeister
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101543779
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
One of the world's most esteemed and influential psychologists, Roy F. Baumeister, teams with New York Times science writer John Tierney to reveal the secrets of self-control and how to master it. "Deep and provocative analysis of people's battle with temptation and masterful insights into understanding willpower: why we have it, why we don't, and how to build it. A terrific read." —Ravi Dhar, Yale School of Management, Director of Center for Customer Insights Pioneering research psychologist Roy F. Baumeister collaborates with New York Times science writer John Tierney to revolutionize our understanding of the most coveted human virtue: self-control. Drawing on cutting-edge research and the wisdom of real-life experts, Willpower shares lessons on how to focus our strength, resist temptation, and redirect our lives. It shows readers how to be realistic when setting goals, monitor their progress, and how to keep faith when they falter. By blending practical wisdom with the best of recent research science, Willpower makes it clear that whatever we seek—from happiness to good health to financial security—we won’t reach our goals without first learning to harness self-control.
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1101543779
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 272
Book Description
One of the world's most esteemed and influential psychologists, Roy F. Baumeister, teams with New York Times science writer John Tierney to reveal the secrets of self-control and how to master it. "Deep and provocative analysis of people's battle with temptation and masterful insights into understanding willpower: why we have it, why we don't, and how to build it. A terrific read." —Ravi Dhar, Yale School of Management, Director of Center for Customer Insights Pioneering research psychologist Roy F. Baumeister collaborates with New York Times science writer John Tierney to revolutionize our understanding of the most coveted human virtue: self-control. Drawing on cutting-edge research and the wisdom of real-life experts, Willpower shares lessons on how to focus our strength, resist temptation, and redirect our lives. It shows readers how to be realistic when setting goals, monitor their progress, and how to keep faith when they falter. By blending practical wisdom with the best of recent research science, Willpower makes it clear that whatever we seek—from happiness to good health to financial security—we won’t reach our goals without first learning to harness self-control.
Skeletal Muscle Circulation
Author: Ronald J. Korthuis
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1615041834
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 147
Book Description
The aim of this treatise is to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms for blood flow control to skeletal muscle under resting conditions, how perfusion is elevated (exercise hyperemia) to meet the increased demand for oxygen and other substrates during exercise, mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health, the regulation of transcapillary fluid filtration and protein flux across the microvascular exchange vessels, and the role of changes in the skeletal muscle circulation in pathologic states. Skeletal muscle is unique among organs in that its blood flow can change over a remarkably large range. Compared to blood flow at rest, muscle blood flow can increase by more than 20-fold on average during intense exercise, while perfusion of certain individual white muscles or portions of those muscles can increase by as much as 80-fold. This is compared to maximal increases of 4- to 6-fold in the coronary circulation during exercise. These increases in muscle perfusion are required to meet the enormous demands for oxygen and nutrients by the active muscles. Because of its large mass and the fact that skeletal muscles receive 25% of the cardiac output at rest, sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction in vessels supplying this tissue allows central hemodynamic variables (e.g., blood pressure) to be spared during stresses such as hypovolemic shock. Sympathetic vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle in such pathologic conditions also effectively shunts blood flow away from muscles to tissues that are more sensitive to reductions in their blood supply that might otherwise occur. Again, because of its large mass and percentage of cardiac output directed to skeletal muscle, alterations in blood vessel structure and function with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension) contribute significantly to the pathology of such disorders. Alterations in skeletal muscle vascular resistance and/or in the exchange properties of this vascular bed also modify transcapillary fluid filtration and solute movement across the microvascular barrier to influence muscle function and contribute to disease pathology. Finally, it is clear that exercise training induces an adaptive transformation to a protected phenotype in the vasculature supplying skeletal muscle and other tissues to promote overall cardiovascular health. Table of Contents: Introduction / Anatomy of Skeletal Muscle and Its Vascular Supply / Regulation of Vascular Tone in Skeletal Muscle / Exercise Hyperemia and Regulation of Tissue Oxygenation During Muscular Activity / Microvascular Fluid and Solute Exchange in Skeletal Muscle / Skeletal Muscle Circulation in Aging and Disease States: Protective Effects of Exercise / References
Publisher: Morgan & Claypool Publishers
ISBN: 1615041834
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 147
Book Description
The aim of this treatise is to summarize the current understanding of the mechanisms for blood flow control to skeletal muscle under resting conditions, how perfusion is elevated (exercise hyperemia) to meet the increased demand for oxygen and other substrates during exercise, mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on cardiovascular health, the regulation of transcapillary fluid filtration and protein flux across the microvascular exchange vessels, and the role of changes in the skeletal muscle circulation in pathologic states. Skeletal muscle is unique among organs in that its blood flow can change over a remarkably large range. Compared to blood flow at rest, muscle blood flow can increase by more than 20-fold on average during intense exercise, while perfusion of certain individual white muscles or portions of those muscles can increase by as much as 80-fold. This is compared to maximal increases of 4- to 6-fold in the coronary circulation during exercise. These increases in muscle perfusion are required to meet the enormous demands for oxygen and nutrients by the active muscles. Because of its large mass and the fact that skeletal muscles receive 25% of the cardiac output at rest, sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction in vessels supplying this tissue allows central hemodynamic variables (e.g., blood pressure) to be spared during stresses such as hypovolemic shock. Sympathetic vasoconstriction in skeletal muscle in such pathologic conditions also effectively shunts blood flow away from muscles to tissues that are more sensitive to reductions in their blood supply that might otherwise occur. Again, because of its large mass and percentage of cardiac output directed to skeletal muscle, alterations in blood vessel structure and function with chronic disease (e.g., hypertension) contribute significantly to the pathology of such disorders. Alterations in skeletal muscle vascular resistance and/or in the exchange properties of this vascular bed also modify transcapillary fluid filtration and solute movement across the microvascular barrier to influence muscle function and contribute to disease pathology. Finally, it is clear that exercise training induces an adaptive transformation to a protected phenotype in the vasculature supplying skeletal muscle and other tissues to promote overall cardiovascular health. Table of Contents: Introduction / Anatomy of Skeletal Muscle and Its Vascular Supply / Regulation of Vascular Tone in Skeletal Muscle / Exercise Hyperemia and Regulation of Tissue Oxygenation During Muscular Activity / Microvascular Fluid and Solute Exchange in Skeletal Muscle / Skeletal Muscle Circulation in Aging and Disease States: Protective Effects of Exercise / References
The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309172810
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 448
Book Description
It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309172810
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 448
Book Description
It is a commonly held belief that athletes, particularly body builders, have greater requirements for dietary protein than sedentary individuals. However, the evidence in support of this contention is controversial. This book is the latest in a series of publications designed to inform both civilian and military scientists and personnel about issues related to nutrition and military service. Among the many other stressors they experience, soldiers face unique nutritional demands during combat. Of particular concern is the role that dietary protein might play in controlling muscle mass and strength, response to injury and infection, and cognitive performance. The first part of the book contains the committee's summary of the workshop, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The remainder of the book contains papers contributed by speakers at the workshop on such topics as, the effects of aging and hormones on regulation of muscle mass and function, alterations in protein metabolism due to the stress of injury or infection, the role of individual amino acids, the components of proteins, as neurotransmitters, hormones, and modulators of various physiological processes, and the efficacy and safety considerations associated with dietary supplements aimed at enhancing performance.
A Sensory Approach to Improving Muscle Control: an Engineer's View on Optimal Fitness
Author: Martin L. Vanderhook
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1477179984
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 85
Book Description
Now the reason for the rather extended title of this book is because the routine described herein conveys not only a common sense approach to staying physically fit. For each exercise can also be used, through employing the related mental technique, as a means to improve on the incisiveness of our initiating.
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1477179984
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 85
Book Description
Now the reason for the rather extended title of this book is because the routine described herein conveys not only a common sense approach to staying physically fit. For each exercise can also be used, through employing the related mental technique, as a means to improve on the incisiveness of our initiating.
Fundamentals of Motor Control
Author: Mark L. Latash
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0124159567
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 366
Book Description
Motor control is a relatively young field of research exploring how the nervous system produces purposeful, coordinated movements in its interaction with the body and the environment through conscious and unsconscious thought. Many books purporting to cover motor control have veered off course to examine biomechanics and physiology rather than actual control, leaving a gap in the literature. This book covers all the major perspectives in motor control, with a balanced approach. There are chapters explicitly dedicated to control theory, to dynamical systems, to biomechanics, to different behaviors, and to motor learning, including case studies. Reviews current research in motor control Contains balanced perspectives among neuroscience, psychology, physics and biomechanics Highlights controversies in the field Discusses neurophysiology, control theory, biomechanics, and dynamical systems under one cover Links principles of motor control to everyday behaviors Includes case studies delving into topics in more detail
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0124159567
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 366
Book Description
Motor control is a relatively young field of research exploring how the nervous system produces purposeful, coordinated movements in its interaction with the body and the environment through conscious and unsconscious thought. Many books purporting to cover motor control have veered off course to examine biomechanics and physiology rather than actual control, leaving a gap in the literature. This book covers all the major perspectives in motor control, with a balanced approach. There are chapters explicitly dedicated to control theory, to dynamical systems, to biomechanics, to different behaviors, and to motor learning, including case studies. Reviews current research in motor control Contains balanced perspectives among neuroscience, psychology, physics and biomechanics Highlights controversies in the field Discusses neurophysiology, control theory, biomechanics, and dynamical systems under one cover Links principles of motor control to everyday behaviors Includes case studies delving into topics in more detail
Anatomy and Physiology
Author: J. Gordon Betts
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781947172807
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781947172807
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
Author: Todd A. Kuiken
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1439860815
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 219
Book Description
Implement TMR with Your Patients and Improve Their Quality of LifeDeveloped by Dr. Todd A. Kuiken and Dr. Gregory A. Dumanian, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a new approach to accessing motor control signals from peripheral nerves after amputation and providing sensory feedback to prosthesis users. This practical approach has many advantage
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
ISBN: 1439860815
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 219
Book Description
Implement TMR with Your Patients and Improve Their Quality of LifeDeveloped by Dr. Todd A. Kuiken and Dr. Gregory A. Dumanian, targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) is a new approach to accessing motor control signals from peripheral nerves after amputation and providing sensory feedback to prosthesis users. This practical approach has many advantage
Nerve-Muscle Interaction
Author: Gerta Vrbova
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401095418
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
In the second century, Galen recognized that nerve and muscle were functionally inseparable since contraction of muscle occurred only if the nerves supplying that muscle were intact. He therefore concluded that the shortening of a muscle was controlled by the central nervous sytem while the extension of a muscle could occur in the absence of innervation. Nerves, he thought, were the means of transport for animal spirits to the muscles; the way in which animal spirits may bring about contraction dominated the study of muscle physiology from that time until the historical discovery of Galvani that muscle could be stimulated electrically and that nerve and muscle were themselves a source of electrical energy. It is now well known that nerves conduct electrically and that transmission from nerve to striated muscle is mediated by the chemical which is liberated from nerve terminals onto the muscle membrane. In vertebrates this chemical is acetylcholine (ACh). Thus the concept of spirits that are released from nerves and control muscle contraction directly, is no longer tenable. Nevertheless the concept of 'substances' transported down nerv~s which directly control many aspects of muscle has not been abandoned, and has in fact been frequently reinvoked to account for the long-term regula tion of many characteristics of muscle (see review by Gutmann, 1976) and for the maintenance of its structural integrity.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401095418
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 246
Book Description
In the second century, Galen recognized that nerve and muscle were functionally inseparable since contraction of muscle occurred only if the nerves supplying that muscle were intact. He therefore concluded that the shortening of a muscle was controlled by the central nervous sytem while the extension of a muscle could occur in the absence of innervation. Nerves, he thought, were the means of transport for animal spirits to the muscles; the way in which animal spirits may bring about contraction dominated the study of muscle physiology from that time until the historical discovery of Galvani that muscle could be stimulated electrically and that nerve and muscle were themselves a source of electrical energy. It is now well known that nerves conduct electrically and that transmission from nerve to striated muscle is mediated by the chemical which is liberated from nerve terminals onto the muscle membrane. In vertebrates this chemical is acetylcholine (ACh). Thus the concept of spirits that are released from nerves and control muscle contraction directly, is no longer tenable. Nevertheless the concept of 'substances' transported down nerv~s which directly control many aspects of muscle has not been abandoned, and has in fact been frequently reinvoked to account for the long-term regula tion of many characteristics of muscle (see review by Gutmann, 1976) and for the maintenance of its structural integrity.