With other texts written at either too high or too low a level, this book meets the needs of PTA students for usable, understandable pathology related to clinical application. Extensively illustrated, this book allows students to more easily comprehend and maintain interest in otherwise complicated pathological processes. The fourteen chapter format effectively fits within a chapter per week course structure, or each chapter may be used as a standalone module within any course. And as your students prepare to graduate, encourage them to keep this book to use as a clinically relevant reference as practicing PTAs! Pathophysiology for each body system provides students with a solid grounding in the normal physiology of each body system prior to learning the pathology. It Happened in the Clinic boxes in each chapter help students associate pathological conditions with actual clinical cases. Geriatric Considerations boxes train the student PTA to be tuned in to the concerns of geriatric patients. Specific to PTA sections identify contraindications and precautions essential for the PTA to be aware of when treating patients with specific pathologies. Why Does the PTA Need to Know This? sections provide a foundation for learning specific pathologies as they relate to the practice of physical therapy. Sections on physical therapy intervention offer an overview for specific manifestations of pathologies. Each chapter also includes a listing of "Chapter Concepts" content objectives and a glossary of new terms highlighted in bold. Reference boxes to the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice enhance its relevance to practice. This title is suitable for those who are in health professions like physical therapists assistants.