Atlas of Human Anatomy.

Atlas of Human Anatomy By Netter FH. Summit, NJ 07006, CIBA GEIGY-Corp, 1989, hardback, 260 pp, illus, $86.50

Compiled as a response to requests by professionals for an atlas devoted solely to gross anatomy, this book involved a review by the author of the illustrations he had done over the years. Individuals familiar with the CIBA Collection of medical Illustrations or with Clinical Symposia will recognize many of the illustrations selected for inclusion by the author. Netter has updated and revised older pictures and added new illustrations.

The author's purpose was to assemble illustrations that are neither oversimplified nor extremely complex. The illustrations are clear and uncluttered and have no minute structures. Each structure is identified, with a single line connecting the structure to its name. Each plate occupies a single page. The atlas uses the nomenclature adopted in 1980; other commonly used terms or eponyms appear in parentheses.

The book's 514 dual-captioned illustrations are of the structures in the seven regions of the body: head and neck, back and spinal cord, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, upper limbs, and lower limbs. No written, descriptive material appears in the text. Some plates contain a notation that clarifies or highlights an important point. There are no page numbers; instead, pages are identified by plate number. The book has one page of references. A 36-page index gives reference to plate numbers and is cross-referenced for anatomical and clinical terms.

I believe that this atlas-available in a special, soft-cover student edition-would be valuable for physical therapy students both in anatomy courses and throughout the education program. It also would be helpful for physical therapists who want to retain their understanding of anatomy.

Harry G Knecht, EdD