The Video Atlas of Human Anatomy (Tape 1: The Upper Extremity; Tape 2: The Lower Extremity; Tape 3: The Trunk; Tape 4: The Head and Neck, Part 1).

The Video Atlas of Human Anatomy (Tape 1: The Upper Extremity; Tape 2: The Lower Extremity; Tape 3: The Trunk; Tape 4: The Head and Neck, Part 1) Acland RD, Riggs GH. Baltimore, MD 21201-2436, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1996-1999, VHS, running times: 2:10:40 (Tape 1), 2:26:40 (Tape 2), 2:35:53 (Tape 3), 2:39:35 (Tape 4), ISBN: 0-683-30768-1, $26.95 (single tape), $99.95 (4-tape set).

This videotape series is a highly professional, well-organized presentation of exquisite dissections that uses a regional approach. Each of the 4 videotapes covers a specific region: upper extremity (tape 1), lower extremity (tape 2), trunk (tape 3), and head and neck (tape 4). Each videotape follows the same format, beginning with an introduction by the narrator that outlines what will be presented in the videotape. For simplification, the anatomy of a specific region is presented in several smaller sections. For instance, the lower extremity is presented in 4 sections: the hip, the knee, the leg and ankle, and the foot. Upon completion of each section, the narrator briefly reviews the pertinent regional anatomy. As suggested by the narrator, viewers could use the review to quiz themselves by turning off the sound.

The introduction is followed by a description of bones. Specific bony landmarks are clearly indicated with an arrow and important terms are printed on the screen. A unique production process is used to present the anatomy in a 3-dimensional manner. For instance, when discussing the bones of the skull, the skull is rotated to allow the viewer to see the prominent features from several different views. The narrator discusses relevant surface anatomy in a manner that correlates well with the bony anatomy already presented.

The presentation of joint anatomy would be of particular interest to physical therapists. The anatomy of a specific joint, including bony surfaces and ligaments, is clearly presented, and movements that occur at the joint are discussed and illustrated. The dissection of a joint is technically difficult but the authors do a superb job of delineating the important bony structures and ligaments.

Muscles are demonstrated using fresh, unembalmed cadavers. The narrator initially describes a muscle that is presented in a simplified dissection where fat, fascia, blood vessels, and nerves have been removed. The origin and insertion are pointed out, and the main action of each muscle is demonstrated. Upon completion of the presentation of individual muscles, a more inclusive dissection is used that presents the muscle in relation to other muscles. The various layers of fascia are not discussed except for the few that are named, such as the fascia lata. The fascia are intentionally omitted in order to clarify structures; however, most therapists would appreciate some discussion and illustration of the fascial system.

The major blood vessels and nerves are described and shown in relation to important anatomical landmarks (eg, in the head and neck, the phrenic nerve is clearly shown lying on the surface of the anterior scalene muscle). As a particular nerve is delineated, all muscles it innervates are listed. Cutaneous nerves are not described.

Included with each tape is a written guide. The guide provides a summary of the anatomy described in each region and a glossary of anatomical terms. As the title suggests, this videotape series is not just a presentation of anatomy but rather a video atlas. Therefore, an extremely useful feature of the guide is the alphabetical index to the videotape, which lists individual structures and the start time on the videotape where a particular structure may be found. In the top left corner of the screen is a number showing the running time of the video, which corresponds to the time listed in the written guide. This gives viewers the ability to locate a specific structure by forwarding to the corresponding part of the video, rather than fast forwarding through the entire tape in search of a particular structure. In addition, if an individual has a limited amount of time for viewing, he or she may view a portion of the video, note the time, and resume viewing the video at that time later on. In fact, because of the volume of information presented, the authors advise viewers to watch the video in 10- to 15-minute intervals rather than for a prolonged period.

As stated in the accompanying guide, this videotape series is intended for use by students of anatomy. Physical therapist students, instructors, and clinicians would all be included under this broad heading. The videotape series meets the varied needs of all 3 groups, from the student in the initial stages of a physical therapy curriculum to the experienced clinician interested in reviewing the anatomy of a specific region. This videotape series is very informative and educational. I enthusiastically recommend it!

Lizanne Mulligan, PT, PhD, PCS University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio

Dr Mulligan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. She teaches gross anatomy to first-year physical therapist students and is a laboratory instructor in gross anatomy for first-year medical students.