Now in its fourth edition Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitution provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive source of information on testosterone and its role in human physiology and pathology. It covers biosynthesis and mechanisms of action and reviews their effects on brain and behavior, spermatogenesis, hair growth, bones, muscles, erythropoiesis, the cardiovascular system and the prostate. The therapeutic uses of testosterone preparations are carefully evaluated as well as its abuse and detection in competitive sport. This new edition also devotes sections to exploring the effects of testosterone on female physiology and sexual function, and the experimental use of testosterone in male hormonal contraception. Testosterone: Action, Deficiency, Substitution has been written and edited by world experts in the fields of clinical andrology and endocrinology and provides a unique and invaluable guide for andrologists, endocrinologists, urologists, internists and those working in reproductive medicine.

Gain a foundational understanding of how endocrine and metabolic physiology affects other body systems in health and disease, including the clinical dimensions of reproductive endocrinology. Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology, a volume in the Mosby Physiology Series, explains the fundamentals of this complex subject in a clear and concise manner, while helping you bridge the gap between normal function and disease with pathophysiology content throughout the book. Helps you easily master the material in a systems-based curriculum with learning objectives, Clinical Concept boxes, highlighted key words and concepts, chapter summaries, self-study questions, and a comprehensive exam. Includes nearly 200 clear, 2-color diagrams that simplify complex concepts. Features clinical commentaries that show you how to apply what you've learned to real-life clinical situations. Keeps you current with recent advances in endocrine physiology with expanded material on reproductive endocrinology and metabolism, and many updates at the molecular and cellular level. Covers the latest developments in fertilization, pregnancy, and lactation, as well as fetal development, puberty, and the decline of reproductive function with age. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices. Complete the Mosby Physiology Series! Systems-based and portable, these titles are ideal for integrated programs. Blaustein, Kao, & Matteson: Cellular Physiology and Neurophysiology Johnson: Gastrointestinal Physiology Koeppen & Stanton: Renal Physiology Cloutier: Respiratory Physiology Pappano & Weir: Cardiovascular Physiology Hudnall: Hematology: A Pathophysiologic Approach

ALL-ENCOMPASSING and EXPANDED, now covering the WHOLE BODY (lower quadrant PLUS upper quadrant and spine) - The Comprehensive Textbook of Clinical Biomechanics (formerly Biomechanics in Clinic and Research) presents the latest research in a form which is accessible, practical, thorough and up-to-the minute. Written by a leading expert in the field, The Comprehensive Textbook of Clinical Biomechanics includes a unique online course including high-quality animations, interactive tests and clear explanations will enable you to gain a confident understanding of the clinical aspects of biomechanics.? . Starts from basic principles and builds up to complex concepts . Highly practical with a constant clinical emphasis . Written for all health care professionals including physiotherapists and podiatrists . Addition of upper quadrant and spine . Title has changed to truly reflect the resource's expanded and comprehensive approach . Case studies and additional clinical examples . New methods in EMG analysis . Updated elearning course which is compatible with tablet and mobile devices . A global team of writers

This book describes the field of osteocardiology, an exciting and new sub-discipline within cardiovascular science, which will become the cornerstone for defining the timing and treatment of cardiovascular calcification in the future. With the advent of large cohort databases and experimental mechanistic studies, research has elucidated evidence confirming that traditional cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for the development of atherosclerotic calcification and identified the critical elements of atherosclerosis, including foam cell formation, vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis, which over time forms bone in the heart. Osteocardiology: Cardiac Bone Formation is a practical overview of bone formation in the heart and is destined to become the cornerstone for education of medical students, residents, fellows, graduate students, physician scientists and scientists, for future research and ongoing development in medical therapies to slow or halt the progression of bone formation in the heart.

Cardiovascular diseases have a major impact in Western countries. Mathematical models and numerical simulations can help the understanding of physiological and pathological processes, complementing the information provided to medical doctors by medical imaging and other non-invasive means, and opening the possibility of a better diagnosis and more in-depth surgical planning. This book offers a mathematical update of the state of the art of the research in the field, and serves as a useful reference for the development of mathematical models and numerical simulation codes. It is structured into different chapters, written by outstanding experts in the field. Many fundamental issues are considered, such as: the mathematical representation of vascular geometries extracted from medical images, modelling blood rheology and the complex multilayer structure of the vascular tissue, and its possible pathologies, the mechanical and chemical interaction between blood and vascular walls; the different scales coupling local and systemic dynamics. All of these topics introduce challenging mathematical and numerical problems, demanding for advanced analysis and efficient simulation techniques. This book is addressed to graduate students and researchers in the field of bioengineering, applied mathematics and medicine, wishing to engage themselves in the fascinating task of modeling the cardiovascular system or, more broadly, physiological flows

Since its first publication in 1989, Anatomy and Human Movement has grown to become a best-selling seminal textbook, helping students to understand and remember the mechanisms which allow movement to take place. Written specifically for physiotherapists and occupational therapists, this textbook is the ideal resource for students learning how to perform a musculoskeletal examination and for practising clinicians who need to refresh their functional anatomy. The approach used is the same as in the previous edition, which shows the physiotherapist's perspective during patient examinations through an intact skin: bones are presented first, followed by accurate descriptions of muscles, joints, nervous system and blood supply. New to this edition, the introduction of an e-learning course as a helpful study aid and an ideal complement to the text. Fully revised and updated text and introduction of online resources Excellent new full-colour images and photographs provide the highest level of clarity Summary boxes for quick reference and overview Detailed and focused account of anatomy for physiotherapists and other allied health professionals Part of the Elsevier Physiotherapy Essentials series, which are key textbooks for students and lecturers

Complementary and alternative approaches to health and medicine have become increasingly widespread as the limits of conventional treatments become more apparent. "Holistic Anatomy" presents an authoritative study of anatomy, physiology, and pathology but expands the discussion by connecting the science of the body to a variety of alternative modalities to explore how human beings exist within - and interact with - their environment, and how they experience existence in emotional and spiritual terms. Basic scientific terminology and detailed descriptions are interwoven with informal, sometimes humorous observations, facts, and ideas about life. The mechanisms, structure, and functions of the body are explored, along with how they relate to spiritual and energetic paradigms, emotions, and ecological principles. The first half of the book covers basic anatomy and physiology, describing each major system of the body and how they interrelate. This part includes a thoughtful discussion of ageing and the dying process. The second half focuses on models of health and disease, both traditional and holistic. Topics include western pathology, emotional health, five element medicine, and the spiritual cause for disease.

Over one million readers have turned to "Strength Training Anatomy" for strength training's most effective exercises. Now put those exercises to work for you with "The Strength Training Anatomy Workout."

"The Strength Training Anatomy Workout "is your guide to creating the body and the results you want. Strengthen arms and legs; increase muscle mass; sculpt chest, back, and core; firm glutes; increase hip flexibility . . . it's all here, and all in the stunning detail that only Frederic Delavier can provide

Over 150 full-color illustrations allow you to get inside more than 200 exercises and 50 workouts to see how muscles interact with surrounding joints and skeletal structures. You'll also discover how variations, progressions, and sequencing can affect muscle recruitment, the underlying structures, and ultimately the results.

The "Strength Training Anatomy Workout" includes proven programming for strength, power, bodybuilding, and toning that can be used in a gym or at home. You'll find targeted conditioning routines for optimal performance in more than 30 sports, including basketball, football, soccer, track and field, and golf.

Former editor in chief of "PowerMag" in France, author and illustrator Frederic Delavier is a journalist for "Le Monde du" "Muscle" and a contributor to "Men's Health Germany "and several other strength publications. His previous publication, "Strength Training Anatomy," has sold more than one million copies.

This book focuses on recent topics in metallomics, a study of the metallome, or metal-containing biomolecules. Metals can induce various physiological and toxicological effects in a very small amounts, in other words, the concentrations of biometals are very low in organisms. Thus, analytical techniques for a trace amount of metal are crucial to understand the biological and toxicological functions of metals.This volume begins with an overview of metallomics including the history and development of the field. Subsequent parts provide basic and advanced techniques for metallomics. Speciation and imaging of metals are basic approaches to reveal the function of the metallome. The applications of speciation using an HPLC hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) and flow cytometry ICP-MS are described. As advanced approaches, the applications using a micro-flow injection-ICP-MS, an ICP-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, an ICP-sector field mass spectrometer, and an ICP-multi-collector mass spectrometer are mentioned. For the imaging of metals, basic principles and applications of several techniques such as scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy and ICP-MS equipped with laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) are presented. Speciation analyses using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) are also introduced. The last part highlights the medical and pharmaceutical applications of metallomics. Molecular biological approaches to reveal the effects of toxic metals, metal functions in brain and neurodegenerative diseases, and metallodrugs are explained. The topic of metal transporters is also presented.

This book provides a highly accessible introduction to anatomy and physiology. Written for students studying the subject for the first time, it covers the human body from the atomic and cellular levels through to all the major systems and includes chapters on blood, immunity and homeostasis. Logically presented, the chapters build on each other and are designed to develop the reader's knowledge and understanding of the human body. By the end of each chapter, the reader will understand and be able to explain how the structures and systems described are organised and contribute to the maintenance of health. Describing how illness and disease undermine the body's ability to maintain homeostasis, this text helps readers to predict and account for the consequences when this occurs. Complete with self-test questions, full colour illustrations and a comprehensive glossary, this book is an essential read for all nursing and healthcare students in both further and higher education.

This book provides an accessible introduction to cardiovascular physiology, offering information needed by students and medical examination candidates in a clear, logical, and well-illustrated manner, with many useful line diagrams and tables that support the text and provide proof of concept. It covers the fundamentals of how the cardiovascular system works in health and disease as well as more complex physiological mechanisms and pathways. In its sixth edition, the text is now in full color for the first time.

Novel topics compiled in this one-of-a-kind volume provide tantalizing hints for clinical application through future translational research. Only recently have we come to ask what role the male might play in pregnancy loss and embryo implantation failure, beyond contributing an abnormal set of paternal chromosomes at fertilization. This volume explores the recent evidence that these conditions might also be related to the transmission of previously unrecognized chromosomal micro-deletions and duplications, or via the epigenetic dysregulation of early embryonic gene function by spermatozoal microRNAs or alterations in sperm DNA methylation patterning, or by DNA damage secondary to either reactive oxygen species or environmental toxicants. In addition, the composition of seminal plasma has been found to be highly complex, containing many factors that play important roles in altering the uterine environment and the female immune system permissive of embryo implantation and trophectoderm outgrowth leading to successful pregnancy. Coverage includes an examination of both spermatozoa and seminal fluid component factors.

This book presents the incidence of sports-related injuries, the types of injuries specific to particular sports, and the importance of factors such as age and gender. Possible injury mechanisms and risk factors are presented based on an analysis involving recent scientific findings. A variety of sports are included to allow the reader to better generalize the results as well as to apply appropriate procedures to specific sports. The authors have emphasized basic scientific findings to help the reader gain a broad knowledge of sports injuries. The potential audience includes medical doctors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, coaches and interested parents. This book is expected to play a prominent role in the construction of training programs for both healthy and injured players. The focus on junior athletes will aid in their education, injury prevention and increased performance. It will also benefit instructors at the junior and senior high school levels. The book is composed of seven parts. In the beginning part, current situations and the general characteristics of sports-related injuries are outlined on the basis of an investigation utilizing statistical data involving a large number of populations. In the following parts, detailed information on the injuries in terms of the types of sports activities, body sites, symptoms and the relationships among these factors are discussed. Part 2, for example, deals with topics on concussion and severe head-neck injuries which occur frequently in rugby and judo. In Parts 3 and 4, as one of the major sports-related injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are discussed. Beginning with the underlying mechanisms as assessed by using the latest measuring techniques, characteristic features of their occurrence are described. Further, Part 4 deals with topics on post-operative (ACL reconstruction) aspects of ACL injuries, especially those related to muscle functions and tendon regeneration in the hamstring muscles. Part 5 deals with muscle strain and focuses particularly on those occurring in the hamstring muscles, as this muscle group is known, as one of the most frequent sites of muscle strain. In Part 6, disorders related to the ankle and foot are introduced. Finally, Part 7 provides information on lower back disorders. Included are detailed mechanisms of their incidence, epidemiology and implications for their prevention.

Kathrin Stauffer a biochemist and seasoned body psychotherapist takes a look at organ systems of the human body to illuminate the connections between body and mind, exploring the body as both the ground of our physical experience and as a metaphor for our emotional life. Beginning with a discussion of the basic building blocks of the body, cells and molecules, Stauffer works through the body system by system, showing through clinical case examples that an understanding of each system can greatly enhance the art of psychotherapy: The Central Nervous System, The Skeletal Musculature, The Respiratory System, The Skin, The Digestive System, Fluids and Connective Tissue, The Endocrine System, The Reproductive System, and The Respiratory System. Throughout, Stauffer presents human anatomy and physiology in clear, simple terms, with facts selected for interest and relevance to psychotherapists. Many links are made between physical and psychological function to give readers a taste of how body psychotherapists work in clinical practice to integrate body and mind, and thus help their clients become more whole. Anatomy & Physiology for Psychotherapists invites psychotherapists, complementary therapists, and anyone else interested in the mind/body connection to engage with the physical body to bring more depth into their therapeutic work."

Applied Sport Mechanics, Fourth Edition With Web Study Guide, helps undergraduate students understand how the fundamental laws of human movement affect athletes' performances. Foundational principles of kinetics, kinematics, and sports technique are clearly presented and then explored through a variety of applied scenarios. What's New This latest edition builds on the success of the previous editions (formerly titled Sport Mechanics for Coaches), and offers much new material: * A web study guide with new chapter review questions and practical activities that help students learn and apply complex theories to real-life situations * An array of updated pedagogical aids, including a glossary and chapter objectives to reinforce learning * A full-color design for more engaging visual aids * Reorganized content into two parts and 13 chapters to more readily fit the topics into a typical semester course structure * Expanded sidebars that apply concepts directly to sport To make the text applicable for teaching, it also includes a full ancillary package including an instructor guide with a sample syllabus, suggested learning activities, and lecture aids; a test package approximately 20 questions per chapter; and a presentation package plus image bank with ready-made presentations that instructors can use as is or modify to suit their needs. Content Organization Part I, which houses the first 10 chapters or 10 weeks, focuses on the fundamentals of sport mechanics. Major topics covered include the anatomy and fundamentals of sport mechanics, linear motion and linear kinetics in sport, angular motion and angular kinetics in sport, stability and instability, sport kinetics, and moving through fluids. Part II, which contains the final three chapters, helps students apply the information they learned in part I. Chapters 11 and 12 explain how to observe and analyze an athlete's technique and how to correct errors. Students learn how to break a skill into phases and what to look for in each phase. They also learn the mechanical principles that will help them correct the errors. Chapter 13 explores mechanics in a range of sport skills and techniques, including sprinting, jumping, swimming, lifting, throwing, and kicking. Students learn that technique and mechanics are inseparable. The chapters also contain two helpful types of sidebars: At a Glance sidebars summarize difficult content with bulleted lists, and Application to Sport sidebars bring concepts to life, showing how they work in sport. Go-To Resource This fourth edition of Applied Sport Mechanics is a highly practical text, destined to be the go-to biomechanics and sport mechanics resource for instructors and professionals alike in kinesiology and sport related fields.

The discipline of anatomy has had a pivotal influence on the history of medicine as it serves almost as the language of medicine. This concept has not been changed till today, but the modalities that we use to understand the subject have been significantly changed. This book is unique in that the essential contents are put together allowing one to browse through anatomical knowledge on a daily basis. It should also satisfy anyone who believes that medical faculty must follow a system which is educationally sound. Developing an excellent anatomy curriculum, assessment system, and anatomy resource centre are key to success that will allow us to address the question of "how do we teach anatomy?" If we have to continue teaching an important subject such as anatomy to medical students, we must be innovative in terms of our approach of teaching in the presence of decreased contact hours to fulfil the curricular need of more integration. This book will target medical educationists and students who may find it easier to develop concepts in gross anatomy, embryology, histology and neuroanatomy. Since planning learning experiences, their implementation and student assessment, are closely related activities, care is taken to develop a process for clinically-oriented multiple choice questions in anatomy that satisfy the theme and objectives of anatomy. The issues related to laboratory activities have also been addressed so as to emphasise objective-structured practical examination that is integrated and clinically relevant during the early period of the medical curriculum. The students' perception has been brought to our attention and given a great focus. This book for the first time addresses education in anatomy and provides a great resource for medical schools engaged in problem-based learning or integrated systems curriculums.

The inner ear originates from an ectodermal thickening, the otic placode, which lies adjacent to the developing hindbrain. Complex interactions between regulatory signalling molecules guide development of the simple otic placode into the elaborate, multifunctional organs of hearing and balance. This book delves into recent research in the field, focusing on successive stages of inner ear development and how they are influenced by the co-ordinate activity of signalling molecules. This book begins with an overview of the evolutionary adaptation of the organ of Corti (organ of hearing) and the molecular signals that characterise ancestral development of the inner ear. Following this, the topics addressed include the complex signalling interactions underlying induction of the otic placode, key molecular mediators influencing inner ear development and patterning, genetic signalling of the vestibular (balance) system and clinical correlations to human balance disorders, commitment to auditory hair cell fate, and reliance of the inner ear on retinoic acid, a biologically-active derivative of vitamin A, for appropriate development. This timely and comprehensive book provides an excellent resource for researchers, clinician-scientists and students alike.

Tryptophan metabolism via kynurenine pathway plays a critical role in both health and a variety of human diseases. This book highlights the known associations between kynurenine pathway and various disease states, as well as examines the current status of drug development and clinical trials of compounds known to alter tryptophan metabolism. The research plays a critical role in molecular targeted therapies directed at altering the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The initial and rate-limiting step of tryptophan metabolism is mediated by one of two enzymes, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO; predominantly in the liver, but also in the brain) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO; in a host of tissues in response to immune activation). Targeting the enzymes IDO and TDO, as well as other downstream effectors would therefore be likely to generate novel treatment options that would be helpful in a wide variety of clinical settings. This book provides a unique bridge between basic mechanistic understanding of the role of the kynurenine pathway with translational applications and clinical relevance. It will explore the indications that tryptophan metabolism is a potential biomarker of disease activity, can contribute to local and possibly systemic immune suppression in cancer, and is an attractive target for which a variety of inhibitors are readily available.

No need to feel stressed over anatomy and physiology-grasp all the basic terms and concepts, with the fully updated Anatomy and Physiology Made Incredibly Easy! , 5th Edition. Using humor and friendly guidance, this colorful text gives you the pure-and-simple clarity you need to understand the basic structure and functions of all major body systems, while also guiding you through genetics, nutrition, reproduction, and more. This handy quick-reference guide is the ideal NCLEX (R) study aid, textbook support, or quick refresher for nurses and other healthcare practitioners. Grasp the details of anatomy and physiology, in the Incredibly Easy! (R) way . . . NEW and completely updated content in easy-read format to simplify the core concepts of anatomy and physiology Defines anatomic terms such as cell structure, cell reproduction and energy generation, the four basic tissue types and their characteristics, and more End-of-book, pocket-sized study cards for easy review anywhere, anytime Explains the forms and locations of body structures - the directional terms, reference planes, cavities, and regions of every major body system Dozens of full-color drawings and diagrams illustrating all major body systems-integumentary, musculoskeletal, neurosensory, endocrine, cardiovascular, and more, plus: fluids and electrolytes reproduction and lactation genetics nutrition chemical organization Special features include: "Nurse Joy" and "Jake" - expert insights, key concepts, and important care reminders Zoom in - an up-close look at anatomic structuresNow I get it! - complex physiology processes stated in easy-to-handle termsJust the facts - quick content summary at start of each chapterQuick quiz - multiple-choice questions at end of each chapter to help you retain what you learnedSenior moment - explains physiologic changes that occur with aging in each body systemBody shop - illustrates how body systems and structures work togetherMemory jogger - helpful tricks and tips to help you retain vital dataJust for fun - fun puzzles for boosting your understanding of anatomical terms and pathophysiological conceptsPractice Makes Perfect - end-of-book NCLEX (R) practice questions, for solid exam preparation

The new edition of Plowman and Smith's renowned text continues to the authoritative textbook for teaching Exercise Physiology. This engaging and beautifully designed text integrates theoretical and research based basic exercise physiology with real-world application to prepare students for exciting positions in exercise science, fitness, physical education, athletic training, rehabilitation, coaching and/or allied health professions. Accessible and engaging, the 5th Edition offers coverage of foundational science and critical exercise physiology topics. Organized by independent units (Metabolic, Cardiovascular-respiratory, Neuromuscular-skeletal, and Neuroendocrine-immune) this text offers maximum teaching flexibility for faculty and consistent presentation of material for the student.

Iron is indispensable for the growth, development and well-being of almost all living organisms. Biological systems from bacteria, fungi and plants to humans have evolved systems for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron. Its importance for microbial growth makes its uptake systems a natural target for pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Uniquely, humans suffer from both iron deficiency and iron overload, while the capacity of iron to generate highly reactive free radicals, causing oxidative stress, is associated with a wide range of human pathologies, including many neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas some essential metal ions like copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism, toxic metals like aluminium and cadmium can interfere with iron metabolism. Finally, iron metabolism and homeostasis are key targets for the development of new drugs for human health. The 4th edition of Iron Metabolism is written in a lively style by one of the leaders in the field, presented in colour and covers the latest discoveries in this exciting area. It will be essential reading for researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, nutrition and medical sciences. Other interested groups include biological inorganic chemists with an interest in iron metabolism, health professionals with an interest in diseases of iron metabolism, or of diseases in which iron uptake systems are involved (eg. microbial and fungal infections, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders), and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry interested in developing novel drugs targeting iron metabolism/homeostasis.

Measurement and Evaluation in Physical Activity Applications offers the most accessible, student-friendly introduction to the principles and practice of measurement in physical activity available. Fully revised and updated, the second edition provides students with a clear guide to the obstacles to good measurement, and how to apply the principles of good measurement to a range of physical activity disciplines. Spanning applications in exercise science, sports performance, physical education, sports coaching, athletic training, and physical activity and health, the book also includes chapters on the key principles underlying good measurement practice-validity, reliability, and objectivity-as well as an introduction to using statistics and qualitative measurement. Structured to reflect single-semester classes, and involving students at every stage through its rich pedagogy and accessibility, this is a crucial resource for introducing students to the principles of best practice in measurement and evaluation. It is the ideal learning aid for any students studying measurement, evaluation, or assessment in kinesiology, exercise science, sports coaching, physical education, athletic training, and health and fitness.

This practical book describes only neurometabolic hereditary diseases which have a specific treatment and encourages the general neurologist to think of the most common neurometabolic hereditary diseases, which he might have seen and never considered in the differential diagnosis. Information regarding how to deal with diseases with special therapy is provided (i.e. enzymatic replacement therapy in Fabry disease and Pompe disease), as is information on diseases which are not easily recognized (i.e. Niemann-Pick disease type C), and diseases with clinical features mimicking other common neurodegenrative diseases (i.e. Wilson's disease). Neurometabolic Hereditary Diseases is written with a clinical focus for adult neurologists working in general hospitals.

Development of the Nervous System, Fourth Edition provides an informative and up-to-date account of our present understanding of the basic principles of neural development as exemplified by key experiments and observations from past and recent times. This book reflects the advances made over the last few years, demonstrating their promise for both therapy and molecular understanding of one of the most complex processes in animal development. This information is critical for neuroscientists, developmental biologists, educators, and students at various stages of their career, providing a clear presentation of the frontiers of this exciting and medically important area of developmental biology. The book includes a basic introduction to the relevant aspects of neural development, covering all the major topics that form the basis of a comprehensive, advanced undergraduate and graduate curriculum, including the patterning and growth of the nervous system, neuronal determination, axonal navigation and targeting, neuron survival and death, synapse formation and plasticity.

This book presents an overview of the entire field of cadherin research and provides the current basic concept of cadherins. Cadherins have been widely accepted as key regulators of animal development and physiological functions, and it also has become clear that they play essential roles in various human diseases. With contributions by leading scientists, the book covers various aspects of the cadherin superfamily including the history of cadherin research, basic properties of classical cadherins as well as non-classical cadherins, cadherin-associated proteins, and the roles of cadherins in health and diseases. In addition, the book presents some contradictory results and important unanswered questions, and the authors propose their working hypotheses or future directions, to inspire future studies. This volume enables graduate students and young researchers to learn the basics and gain a comprehensive image of the cadherin superfamily, and experts in the field will easily find various topics of interest in relevant areas of study. Additionally, a list of cadherin-related diseases is included for quick reference to cadherins in human diseases.