Correlative Neuroanatomy, 21st ed.

Correlative Neuroanatomy, ed 21 deGroot J. East Norwalk, CT 06856, Appleton & Lange, 1991, paperback, 306 pp, illus, $27.50.

The author states in the preface that this text was written as a "basic text in neuroanatomy for students in medicine and other health sciences." He also states that it can be useful in clinical and graduate courses. Additions to this edition include new chapters on somatosensory, auditory, vestibular, and reticular systems; new and modified drawings and radiologic images; and an appendix on spinal nerves and plexuses. Throughout the book, case studies are provided to illustrate clinical applications of the information contained in each section. This book is divided into six sections. Section 1, "Basic Principles," includes an introduction, general information about neural tissue, and a chapter on signaling in the nervous system. As a rule, this section is a very basic outline, not covering cellular physiology at the level of most college physiology courses. Section 2 is entitled "Spinal Cord and Spine." It provides an overview of embryologic development of the spinal cord and a description of internal and external anatomy of the spinal cord, including ascending and descending tracts. The clinical findings in a variety of spinal cord lesions are discussed. The final chapter in this section covers spinal cord circulation and lumbar puncture and gives a brief introduction to techniques used in spinal cord imaging. Numerous photographs of normal and abnormal myelograms, computed tomography images, and magnetic resonance images are included. Section 3 is entitled "Anatomy of the Brain" and includes chapters on the anatomy of the supraspinal areas, ventricles and coverings of the brain, and vascularization. Illustrations are primarily line drawings and are very detailed for brainstem and cranial nerves. Discussions of the cerebellum and basal ganglia are particularly brief. In general, the text includes a well-written description of the anatomy of the various regions. "Functional Systems" is the title of section 4. it includes chapters on motor control, somatosensory systems, the visual system, the auditory system, the vestibular system, higher cortical functions, aging, and reticular formation, all of which are quite brief and presented at a very basic level. The chapters on the limbic system and autonomic nervous system are presented in more detail. Section 5, "Diagnostic Aids," includes chapters on brain imaging and electrodiagnostic testing. These are presented at an introductory level and are quite abbreviated. Section 6 contains discussions of the case studies presented throughout the preceding chapters. I found these quite interesting, although the emphasis is on diagnosis and medical management. I believe that this book attempts to do too much. Its intended purpose is to be a neuroanatomy text. As such, it presents some shortcomings. The illustrations are primarily line drawings and vary in quantity and quality in different sections. This book also attempts to provide some clinical relevance by using case studies; I found these enlightening but limited to a "medical perspective." This text also attempts to provide a basis of neurophysiologic information at both a cellular and a systems level, but this is very cursory.

Correlative Neuroanatomy is obviously written with medical students in mind. In my opinion, the information it contains is not presented in adequate detail for a physical therapy entry-level neuroanatomy or neurophysiology course. I do feel, however, that it might be a useful, quick reference for the general physical therapy clinician. it also might be useful for physical therapist assistant students.

Susan P Barker, PT Philadelphia College of Parmacy and Science Philadeiphia, Pa