Anatomy of the Moving Body: A Basic Course in Bones, Muscles, and Joints

by Theodore Dimon Jr.

Written by a leading proponent of the Alexander Technique, Anatomy of the Moving Body offers movement educators a basic manual that provides not only drawings and names but also written lectures that tie this sometimes difficult material into a coherent series of presentations. The book is divided into accessible sections that present muscles and joints in a clear and concise manner without oversimplifying or leaving out necessary details. Each of the 31 chapters covers a basic region of the body. Included is information about bones;origins and attachments of muscles and related actions; joints, major ligaments, and actions at joints; major functional structures such as the pelvis, shoulder girdle, ankle, and hand; etymology of anatomical terms; major landmarks and human topography; and structures relating to breathing and vocalization.

Genres: Health, Fitness, Science, Nonfiction, Reference

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2001

About the author

Theodore Dimon Jr. received both masters and doctorate degrees in education from Harvard University and is an internationally renowned teacher of mind/body disciplines. He has written five books including Anatomy of the Moving Body; The Body in Motion; Your Body, Your Voice; The Elements of Skill; and The Undivided Self. He lectures internationally and teaches at The Dimon Institute and Columbia Teachers College.

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expect each of us has some curiosity about our body: What’s inside? How do I sit, swim, run, jump? When I feel pain, what’s hurting? Having reached that age where my friends and relatives are less reticent about sharing their aches, I thought I would try to have a greater understanding of things like plantar fasciitis and a pulled latissimus dorsi.

Nope, this isn’t the book for that kind of idle curiosity. WYSIWYG! This is a very deep examination of all the bones of the human body and their connective muscles, tendons, menisci, etc. The illustrations in the latest edition are very good and helpful. It might be of use when your doctor gives you a diagnosis of a tear, pull or fracture, but it is a full course and not “dumbed-down” for the lay person.

Here is an example to help you decide if it is right for your needs: "There are two muscles of the little toe, which lie along the lateral compartment of the foot (Fig. 92). Abductor digiti minimi, which abducts the little toe, corresponds to the abductor of the little finger of the hand. It originates at the heel bone (calcaneus) and attaches to the side of the first phalanx of the little toe. Flexor digiti minimi brevis, which flexes the little toe, corresponds to the same muscle of the hand. It arises from the metatarsal bone of the little toe and inserts into the first phalanx of the little toe on its outer side."

It should be four stars or more for the right audience but not for me.

[Michael Blackmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice anatomy (muscle and skeleton focused) book. It is a less of a study and memorize style and more of narrative establishing actions and relationships. I wouldn't recommend it as the sole book to study anatomy by as much as a good compliment to other books. Study your bones and muscles, then read it to learn to see the motions and connections. Then study some more and then re-read this. You'll begin to see new layers of understanding and connections develop.

I'll definitely be re-reading it after more studies.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 3 stars from me because it was 95%+ “just anatomy”. I know, that was in the title. But I was hoping for more function, syndromes , problems involving specific muscles.

[Adwait Godbole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful in understanding how/why shoulder isometrics work.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an aspiring physical therapist assistant, this book is very helpful going through the basics of bones, muscle, and joints. It targets concepts that students will need in a clear and concise way. The depictions are almost invaluable, as a are able to help me as a student visualize precisely what it is I am studying and where to locate what I am studying. A very helpful guide, and pretty inexpensive to buy on Amazon. Definitely worth the money.

[Marcel Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to find this book which so clearly outlines the muscle groups and their purpose in a detail that is different from some of the more cumbersome antaomy books that I've read in the past. It has a refreshing take on the human anatomy, and its layers and would make a wonderful addition & reference to anyone with an interest in anatomy or alternative related bodywork therapies.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good primer for people who haven't taken a college anatomy course. Just enough information to teach you something. There obviously much more to learn. I wish he had gone into the knee injuries a bit more like he did with other sections, but it wasn't the focus of the book anyway.