Awards

• Winner of Barnes & Noble Best Science Book 2020 (United States)

Overview

Muscle tissue powers every heartbeat, blink, jog, jump, and goosebump. It is the force behind the most critical bodily functions, including digestion and childbirth, as well as extreme feats of athleticism. We can mold our muscles with exercise and observe the results. In this lively, lucid book, orthopedic surgeon Roy A. Meals takes us on a wide-ranging journey through anatomy, biology, history, and health to unlock the mysteries of our muscles. He breaks down the three different types of muscle-smooth, skeletal, and cardiac-and explores major advancements in medicine and fitness, including cutting-edge gene-editing research and the science behind popular muscle conditioning strategies. Along the way, he offers insight into the changing aesthetic and cultural conception of muscle, from Michelangelo's David to present-day bodybuilders, and shares fascinating examples of strange muscular maladies and their treatment. Brimming with fun facts and infectious enthusiasm, Muscle sheds light on the astonishing, essential tissue that moves us through life.

Full Product Details

9781324021445

Table of Contents

Reviews

"[A] thorough overview of muscles and how they operate... The scientific insights illuminate the abilities and oddities of the human body...and the fitness advice is a boon... The result is a strong primer on an essential part of the human body.-- ""Publishers Weekly"" [Meals] offers an amusing account of physical training programs throughout history. [He] wisely devotes several chapters to exercise and sports, paying special attention to conditioning, nutrition, and muscle-building supplements, including a mildly skeptical review of performance enhancers and an entertaining review of cheating... An easy-to-digest science lesson tailored for general readers.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" What an educational and entertaining read! The up-to-date science related to muscle is clearly presented and explained, punctuated by an abundance of historical facts, anecdotes, and illustrations about human and animal muscles that are little known and highly interesting. Who knew muscles could be so fascinating? You will love this book.--Vernon Tolo, MD, Former President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons"

"[A] thorough overview of muscles and how they operate... The scientific insights illuminate the abilities and oddities of the human body...and the fitness advice is a boon... The result is a strong primer on an essential part of the human body.-- ""Publishers Weekly"" [Meals] offers an amusing account of physical training programs throughout history. [He] wisely devotes several chapters to exercise and sports, paying special attention to conditioning, nutrition, and muscle-building supplements, including a mildly skeptical review of performance enhancers and an entertaining review of cheating... An easy-to-digest science lesson tailored for general readers.-- ""Kirkus Reviews"" What an educational and entertaining read! The up-to-date science related to muscle is clearly presented and explained, punctuated by an abundance of historical facts, anecdotes, and illustrations about human and animal muscles that are little known and highly interesting. Who knew muscles could be so fascinating? You will love this book.--Vernon Tolo, MD, Former President, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons If you ever wanted to know more about the muscles you're training at the gym, Muscle seeks to dispel the mystery behind this integral part of our anatomy. Filled with illustrations, illuminating stories, and historical deep dives, Muscle will give you new insight into the power of our bodies.--Milan Polk ""Men's Health"""

Author Information

Roy A. Meals, MD, is a clinical professor of orthopedic surgery at UCLA and the author of Bones: Inside and Out, a Barnes & Noble Best Science Book of 2020. The author of several medical books, he has practiced, researched, and taught hand surgery for forty years. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

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