Essentials of Gross Anatomy.

Essentials of Gross Anatomy Anatomy texts vary in organizational structure between the regional and systemic approach. The author states that he attempted to combine the features of both approaches in this book; however, a regional organization is the dominant theme. The text is divided into 10 chapters: basic terminology; peripheral nervous system; vertebral column and surrounding structures; thorax; abdomen, pelvis, and perineum; segmental patterns of the head and upper neck; neck; head; upper limb; and lower limb. The table of contents is a detailed outline of the material covered in each chapter. The appropriate outline is repeated at the beginning of each chapter.

Illustrations are not as extensive in this work as in the typical anatomy text, as the author prefers to "draw verbal pictures," believing that "antomy is as much a verbal as a visual science." The illustrations included are pen-and-ink drawings with halftone shading and line diagrams presented in black and white. The author presents the information in a readable style, including occasional interjection of the first person. Important material within paragraphs is in bold print. Clinical correlation information is set off from the main text by heavy black lines. The majority of the correlations are more relevant to medical students and practitioners than to physical therapy students or students of other health sciences.

The author has included only 36 references at the conclusion of the text, which limits the reader's resources for further exploration of selected subject matter. Both the index and table of contents permit easy location of topics within the text.

The chapters dealing with the upper and lower extremities have a reasonable depth of information for a gross anatomy course for physical therapy students. The chapters dealing with vertebral column anatomy and motion do not present sufficient detail to form a basis for understanding the treatments of vertebral column dysfunction. Although physical therapy practitioners seeking a text to review gross anatomy may find this text appropriate, I do not recommend it for those individuals who wish to increase their depth of understanding particularly in relationship to the anatomical basis of therapeutic interventions. If this text were to be used in a gross anatomy course that includes dissection, an additional atlas or dissector would be essential.