Atlas of Human Anatomy, 2d ed.

Atlas of Human Anatomy, ed 2 Netter FH. East Hanover, NJ 07936, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, 1997, 616 pp, paperback, illus, $59.95 ($84.95 hardcover).

This book is a new edition of the already classic anatomy atlas, first published in 1989. It is a compilation of the anatomical paintings of Frank Netter, MD, from his 13-volume set of medical illustrations and from his illustrations for Ciba's Clinical Symposia.

Each page is typically a full-size color illustration that is fully labeled, but contains no explanatory text. The colors used in this edition are slightly darker, which makes muscles look more realistic. The drawings are organized by region: head and neck (141 drawings), back and spinal cord (25), thorax (64), abdomen (99), pelvis and perineum (61), upper limb (62), lower limb (58), and cross-sections (15). The original sequence of drawings is retained, but the upper- and lower-limb plates have new numbers. As in the previous edition, ligament and joint dissections are included with each limb.

The cross-sections are new illustrations provided by C Machado, who successfully retains the Netter style. These cross-sections include 11 horizontal/transverse sections (5 thorax and 6 abdomen) and 2 frontal/coronal sections (both thorax). To accommodate the new cross-sections without increasing the total page count significantly, the new edition has reduced the 6 pages of abdominal artery variations in the last edition to only 2 pages.

Two Netter illustrations have been modified. The cross-section of the wrist has been revised to include extensor as well as flexor tendons. However, the new illustration is too small and does not color-code the tendon sheaths and vessels. The second alteration is the addition of an illustration of the components of the finger flexor tendon sheath. This illustration is useful, showing a palmar view of both the synovial and fibrous sheaths.

Language changes in the new edition include the addition of new terminology to the labels, but most old terms are retained in parentheses (eg, fibular [peroneal] nerve). Many Latin terms have given way to more "user-friendly" English versions (eg, the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve is now the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm). Minor changes have also been made in the terminology of the perineum.

Although photographic atlases of cadaver dissections and hand-drawn or hand-painted illustrations both have their place in anatomical instruction, students seem to prefer the colorful, somewhat idealized Netter illustrations. The new edition retains all the features that have made it a hit. Although most atlases include more visceral content than is needed by physical therapist students, this book is eminently suitable as a text for professional students and as a reference book.

Marjorie A Moore, PhD, PT College of St Catherine-Minneapolis Minneapolis, Minn

Dr Moore is Associate Professor in the Master of Physical Therapy program, where she teaches gross anatomy, neuroscience, embryology, and arthrology.