Correlative Neuroanatomy, 22d ed.

This book provides a comprehensive, though, somewhat sketchy, overview of neuroanatomy in conjunction with a commendable emphasis on clinically relevant material. Not designed to be used in lieu of more comprehensive neuroanatomy texts, this book was not intended for the first-time neuroanatomy student. Instead, this book was designed as a study aid for individuals needing to review neuroanatomy and its functional implications. In this capacity, the book is extremely well suited.

This book contains an abundance of up-to-date information relating to neuroanatomy and its relevance to clinical problems. Interestingly, it even has a section that describes a method, used by many physicians, to test muscle strength. Most of this information is directed toward correlating neurological form and function so that appropriate clinical diagnoses can be made. Its broad scope and clinical emphasis distinguishes this book from most neuroanatomy texts.

The current edition of this book is organized and written much better than preceding editions. The intended scope of this book, however, continues to be huge, whereas the book itself is not. This has apparently made it necessary for the book to be written in a rather condensed (outline form) style. This sketchy style detracts from the book's readability.

Numerous illustrations are found throughout the book, including line drawings (illustrating neural connectivity), patient photos, and computerized imaging such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The line drawings in the current edition of this text have been significantly improved. Many of the line drawings now include various shades of blue for the purpose of highlighting specific points within the figure. Despite this improvement, many of the line drawings (eg, Figs. 8-19, 9-4, 14-1, 20-3) are still too busy and difficult to follow. In contrast to the line drawings, the MRI figures are excellent. It should be noted that many new figures are incorporated into the current edition of this book. Whereas most of the new figures are commendable in their scope and format, a few figures (eg, Fig. 5-14) depict erroneous information.

The main strength of this book is the wealth of clinical illustrations and case studies that it contains. Despite the occasional weaknesses in readability and figures, its clinical content and low cost make this book a phenomenal value. Although not recommended as a text for, entry-level physical therapy students, it would probably make a very nice text for graduate students who have recently completed an introductory course in human neuroanatomy. Primarily, however, this book is recommended as a reference book for any physical therapist who treats patients with neurological problems.

SG Patrick Hardy, PhD, PT Univ of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Miss

Dr Hardy is an associate professor in the physical therapy program, where he teaches neuroanatomy and gross anatomy. He also conducts basic neuroscience research involving cortical and subcortical influences on cardiovascular functions.