Gray's Anatomy for Students.

Abstract

With its international editorial board, this book is the first edition of Gray's Anatomy for Students, which is based on its established and successful parent volume Gray's Anatomy. As in many modern anatomy books, the subject is covered regionally. The book is organised into eight sections: anatomy and imaging, back, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, lower limb, upper limb, and the head and neck. For each region, the section includes a conceptual overview of the region, its functions, component parts, relationships to other regions and its key features before covering the anatomy in detail. The editors are to be applauded for these particularly useful features as many anatomy books often neglect function and how many regions of the body, such as the thorax and abdomen, are related. Where relevant, embryology is also covered. The clinical relevance of topographical anatomy, together with surface anatomy, is highlighted throughout. At the end of each chapter there are clinical scenarios and ten short questions demonstrating clinical applications of anatomy, allowing the readers to test and apply their knowledge. The book provides a unique access code for with free online access to additional learning resources including the entire collection of images, which can be downloaded from an image library. This is particularly useful for presentations. There are also links to resources on interactive surface anatomy, case studies and self-assessment multiple choice questions. These are a useful means of re-inforcing anatomical concepts in preparation for examinations. The clarity of expression of its text, colour artwork and layout is excellent. Anatomy is such a difficult discipline and many textbooks include complex drawings that complicate the subject. This book is thorough and yet succinct in its expression, without loss of relevant detail. It is not only to be recommended as an excellent companion for undergraduate medical students but also for candidates of the intercollegiate MRCS diploma.