best review book for anatomy

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Understanding the Anatomy of the Spine

It’s hard to underestimate the importance of the spine in your overall anatomy. Learn about the different parts of the spine so you understand how it’s designed and how it functions.

Overview of the Spine

The spine supports your body and makes it possible for you to move and feel. The spine also has the crucial task of encapsulating and protecting the spinal cord, which is the bundle of nerves that connect the brain and every other part of the body.

The spine has 33 bones or vertebrae, states Mayfield Clinic, although only the upper 24 can move. The vertebrae connect with muscles and ligaments to form the spinal column, which includes the cervical, thoracic and lumbar sections.

The Cervical Spine

The cervical section of the spine includes the first seven vertebrae, according to DePuy Synthes. Beginning at the bottom of the skull, these vertebrae form a backward “c” shape. The two top vertebrae are the atlas and the axis, and these vertebrae are different from the others, because they rotate in special ways so the neck and head can move.

The cervical spine is more flexible than the other sections of the spine. It’s also more prone to injuries, because it’s less protected. The vertebrae in the cervical spine are also different, because they have openings for arteries, which carry blood to the brain.

The Thoracic Spine

The thoracic spine contains 12 vertebrae, and it sits immediately below the cervical section, explains DePuy Synthes. Thoracic vertebrae connect to the rib cage, and this section of the spine forms a forward “c” shape.

The thoracic spine has special rib connections and intervertebral discs, which make this section of the spine less flexible.

The Lumbar Spine

The lowest section of the spine is the lumbar spine. Most people have five vertebrae in this section, although some people have six. Like the cervical spine, the lumbar spine has a backward “c” shape. The vertebrae in the lumbar spine are larger than those in the other sections.

Of the three spinal sections, pain in the lumbar section may be the most common due to the fact that the lumbar vertebrae connect to the weight-bearing pelvis.

Vertebrae, Discs, Nerves and Muscles

The job of the vertebrae is to support and protect the nerves of the spinal cord. The spinal cord contains millions of nerve fibers, and it stops at the second vertebra of the lumbar spine, according to DePuy Synthes. The spinal cord passes through a hollow tube in the center of the vertebrae. Ligaments hold the vertebrae together, and tendons form the connection between bones and muscles.

Intervertebral discs serve as cushions between each vertebra, absorbing shocks and keeping the vertebrae from rubbing on each other.

Muscles present near the spine are paraspinal muscles. Their job is to support and help the spine move.

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20 Best Anatomy And Physiology Books For Medical Students

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Since Anatomy and Physiology serve as foundations in medical school, you should acquire knowledge only from the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students. The two are not mutually exclusive as by knowing the body structure and their respective locations, determining the physiological relevance is equally important.

By mastering these two and knowing what is anatomically and physiologically normal, analyzing pathologic conditions and applying clinical approaches will surely be easier.

Choose the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students below.

Table Of Contents

10 Best Anatomy Books For Medical Students

Atlas of human anatomy by frank h. netter.

This is a personal recommendation and the one that’s frequently used in most universities. Anatomy is learned through visualization of body structures . Thus, being an atlas, Netter’s book is the best for learning anatomy in medical school.

Best-selling and most popular, it contains hundreds of illustrations of the human anatomy—from the smallest blood vessel and nerve to the largest organ. Almost all illustrations were painted by the great late American surgeon— Frank H. Netter . Though hand-painted, it is pretty incredible that these drawings are accurate and actual representations of the real-life appearance of human anatomy.

All were painted in great detail and his work has been compiled since 1989. Currently, it’s printed on its 8th edition and has been teaching anatomy to millions of medical students around the globe.

For more information, check it out on Amazon here .

Thieme Atlas of Anatomy by Gilroy

Another student’s favorite, Thieme Atlas of Anatomy is also one of the best atlases for medical students. Like Netter’s, it has hundreds of detailed illustrations but what makes it different is they are supplemented with tables and boxes rich with various clinically relevant information.

If you have been struggling with memorizing the muscle’s origin, insertion, nerve innervation, and action or the so-called OINA while familiarizing the structures, the Thieme Atlas of Anatomy is your game. It also provides bonus techniques on how to easily remember some sections.

It comes on its 4th edition with 3 volume series which you may buy separately or in 1 single bind:

• General & musculoskeletal
• Head-neck and neuroanatomy
• Internal organs

Anatomy: A Photographic Atlas by Rohen

While the first two books were made out of artistic well-detailed illustrations, Rohen’s Anatomy Atlas is created with a compilation of actual photos of dissected cadavers . Some students find it easier to study actual photos rather than hand-written illustrations. What you see in real life is what you get on paper as images are printed on high resolution.

However, since it’s a cadaver image, what you struggle about in real life may also be a struggle on paper. It might be pretty difficult to differentiate fine and subtle structures. Still, the structures were properly and colorfully labeled to help you identify them easily.

The book is already on its 8th edition . Though quite more expensive than the other atlases, this is definitely worth your money if you are looking for high-resolution photos of structures from actual cadavers.

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Clinical Anatomy: Applied Anatomy For Students and Junior Doctors

The organization of this book is different from the regular anatomical atlases. It is grouped into regions for easier referencing: head and neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and upper and lower limbs. It’s on its 14th edition with a special concentration on the nervous system. Suitable for both surgical and non-surgical medical students, this book is usually recommended to those who already have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology. They could use this as a supplement for clinical works and examinations as the book also contains clinical case scenarios.

Aside from the atlas of body structures, the book also provides radiological images such as x-ray and CT scan for a better grasp of how they look like for diagnostic purposes. It also provides an access code to a website where learning is extended through flashcards and more images. If you intend to take the Royal College of Surgeons examinations, this book is a recommendation since it is patterned according to it.

The Anatomy Coloring Book

Didn’t think that studying anatomy could also be artsy and fun? For visual and kinesthetic learners, perhaps you may add this to the list of the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students. Through the use of art, The Anatomy Coloring Book is a supplementary tool to help you in learning anatomical structures. It contains 162 black-and-white detailed images of the muscles, bones, nerves, and vasculature that are organized per organ system . In the beginning, there is an instruction to guide the users on how to color the images and labels properly to come out with the best results. Aside from the images, there is supplementary information besides the images for additional understanding of the structures being colored. This coloring book is great for exam preparations. It helps visual and kinesthetic familiarizing human anatomy.

Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy

Getting a break from atlases, a clinical anatomy textbook will give you comprehensive information about human anatomy. In short, this is your handy book of theoretical foundation . Even if you reach more advanced medical specialization areas, you will find yourself going back to this book to refresh your mind with anatomic principles .

Clinical anatomy is a higher level medical course in which the knowledge in anatomy is applied in the clinical setting. Here, you’ll be relating anatomy with diagnosis differentials, imaging, emergency medicine , and general surgery. The book may be lengthy and provide a lot of must-know and nice-to-know information, but it has blue boxes at each end summarizing the learnings and highlights of a particular chapter.

Thieme Anatomy: An Essential Textbook

Aside from an atlas, Thieme also provides a textbook for more in-depth learning of anatomy . It provides extensive, comprehensive, and high-yield information about anatomic structures from head to toe. This 500-page book will give you knowledge more than the average medical school course. It contains diagrams, informative tables, and blue clinical boxes providing clinical significance.

The price is affordable, hence why it is also one of the students’ choices. If you are preparing for USMLE, this is a great choice as each chapter contains practice questions patterned according to USMLE.

Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body

If you need a guide during your dissection activities in medical school, this is what you need. It includes colored photographs of surface views and actual dissections, diagrams for additional information, and CT/MRT images . Images are organized by region. This is already its 7th edition. Black-and-white images were replaced with colored ones and old images had improved resolution.

Grays Anatomy for Students

If you fancied Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy, Grays Anatomy for Students will also be a useful tool for your early medical school training. The book is comprehensively supplemented with their corresponding clinical significance that are highlighted in “in the clinic” boxes throughout the book. It has sample case reports for a higher yield of learning which could benefit you all through your years in medical school and beyond.

Sobotta Atlas of Human Anatomy

This atlas comes in 3 volumes that cover general anatomy, musculoskeletal system, internal organs, and neuroanatomy . It includes a booklet of tables about muscles, nerves, and vasculature. You could also have an access card to its online version and exam coaching application. The images included in the electronic versions are printable and contain information guides for dissections. The book also features the Latin nomenclature of the body structures together with their descriptions in English.

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10 best physiology books for medical students, guyton and hall textbook of medical physiology.

There’s no other reason why this is the number 1 medical physiology book but the fact that this is gold-standard since its first release in 1956 . It’s almost 1200 pages is jam-packed with in-depth and well-detailed discussions of different cellular and even biomolecular processes involved in human physiology .

There are 15 sections subdivided into 8 chapters. Though the book is massively textual, it also contains colored images, figures, and tables with high resolution. Buying the book will also give access to its electronic version, other additional resources of free video animations, and an online resource named Student Consult containing multiple-choice questions from each section of the book.

This is the medical physiology book I used in my first year. Though it’s lengthy, it has a comprehensive and timeless discussion of medical physiology, especially on Cardio. This is definitely a personal recommendation and one of the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students.

Boron & Boulpaep Medical Physiology

Another bible in medical physiology, Boron & Boulpaep provides an in-depth and well-detailed discussion like Guyton. Aside from texts, it supplements them with several graphs and figures. It tackles physiology from the cellular level up to how all processes could be juxtaposed to be applied in clinical practice.

It contains 10 sections covering an organ system. Each section is subdivided into several chapters. It has a total of 62 chapters with more than 1300 pages.

Costanzo’s Physiology

If you are looking for an extensive review book for medical physiology, Costanzo’s is the thing. It is one of the most detailed review books that you could use for examinations. Comprehensive yet concise , Linda Costanzo’s masterpiece has 10 chapters subdivided into subtopics. Each chapter tackles a specific organ system. It also includes helpful diagrams and tables, clinical laboratory cases, and sample questions at the end of each chapter to test your knowledge.  

Since this is only a review book , all of these are squeezed into 500 pages so it won’t be overwhelming for the students. This is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a comprehensive review book yet makes every concept simpler and easier to understand.

Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology

Another medical physiology review, Ganong’s review of medical physiology has 8 sections each discussing a body system. Each chapter is further subdivided into multiple subchapters comprising a total of almost 800 pages. It’s quite lengthy than your other average pocket review books but it also contains helpful diagrams, tables, and figures for supplementary learning. It also includes clinical boxes highlighting clinical significance, a summary at the end of each chapter, and multiple-choice questions.

Berne & Levy Physiology

This book has 8 sections with 44 chapters with a total of 867 pages. Each chapter discusses deeply one organ system. The text is supplemented with numerous graphs, tables, and diagrams. The book features “in the clinical” and “at the cellular level” text boxes highlighting the clinical relevance and the actual cellular process involved, respectively.

At the end of each chapter, there’s a summary of key concepts to ease memorization. Like Guyton, it comes with a Student Consult giving you full access to the book online and a compilation of USMLE-style review questions.

BRS Physiology

Another Linda Costanzo masterpiece, the BRS physiology is also an extensive review book in preparation for your examinations. If you are looking for the most concise review resource , this is the one for you. It is only made of more than 300 pages. It may be shorter than any review books listed here, but mind you that it is enriched with straightforward and must-know information on medical physiology. This is your handy yet high-yield physiology review.

The structure is neat with clear headings and subheadings. Studying will be much easier as the key concepts in the text are already highlighted. There are also diagrams and tables for better comprehension. It’s on its 7th edition and I could say that this is also one of my personal recommendations.

LL Human Physiology

This is the physiology book for beginners . If you are a medical student whose pre-med major is quite far from the sciences, you may try this entry-level medical physiology book . The concepts are explained well yet simply and concisely. The book contains high-quality illustrations. It also contains a clinical application of various physiologic concepts. Buying the hardbound book provides you access to the Connect A&P website which offers visual demonstrations of anatomy and physiology using real cadavers.

Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach

This human physiology book features homeostasis and a biomolecular-based approach in explaining physiology. It starts with the basic cellular processes and advances to the more complex organ systems. You may also purchase an access card to the Mastering A&P website to serve as a supplementary learning tool containing video tutorials and coaching activities.

Ross&Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health Illness

Aside from books that offer anatomy and physiology separately, some books already offer both. All beginners and junior doctors could gain extensive clinical anatomy and medical physiology knowledge from this book. This could be one of the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students as it offers the following features: it covers a broad coverage from cellular processes to the most complex organ systems, each end of the sections provide self-check questions for knowledge evaluation, it provides you access to online tools and activities, and the book is concise and straightforward making it also a recommended reference for non-medical students.

Marieb Human Anatomy & Physiology Standalone Book

This book covers cell and tissue structures, human anatomy, physiological functions, and clinical case descriptions. The book is well-organized in a way that each introduction per chapter provides a blueprint of the main concepts. Each chapter includes “Focus” boxes and revision questions . You can also visit an online website that contains supplementary learning videos as you go along with the book. You may wish also to purchase access to the Mastering A&P Website.

The book comes in several versions: Kindle version, hardcover version, and Leaf version that comes with CD-ROMs and an anatomy atlas.

How To Choose The Good Anatomy And Physiology Book For Medical Students?

Choosing the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students is not that difficult provided that you know what type of learner you are.

Do you learn easily through visual illustrations? Would it be easier to comprehend by reading the bulk of texts? Do you prefer working on things with your hands?

When you know what type of learner you are, it would then be easier to look for the right anatomy and physiology book.

If you are a visual learner, then choose an atlas. However, atlases should also be supplemented with a textbook to gain theoretical knowledge and know more about how to apply these concepts clinically. Mind you, you will be using the atlas and textbook for the rest of your medical career. If you’re some kind of reader, then long texts might not intimidate you . After all, textbooks already include high-quality illustrations as a supplement. On the other hand, kinesthetic learners could make use of the coloring book or those books with guides during dissection.

Knowing what’s your learning style will make studying anatomy and physiology easier for you.

You can also check out my video on the top books for premeds and medical students if you want to supplement your anatomy and physiology readings! If you have liked this video, make sure to subscribe to our main channel as well!

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Finally, here are the best anatomy and physiology books for medical students. Anatomy and Physiology are one of the main foundations of your medical knowledge. They are not mutually exclusive as you cannot study anatomy without physiology and vice versa.

If you want to learn an effective way to study anatomy, check out my step-by-step guide here .

And if online resources are your thing, you can read about my review on the best resource for studying anatomy .

If you have enjoyed this post, how about checking out some of our other blog posts for more great content?

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Again, thanks for stopping by!

Until next time my friend…

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15 Best Anatomy Books of All Time

Our goal : Find the best Anatomy books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

• Type "best anatomy books" into our search engine and study the top 5+ pages.
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• Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊 (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

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• Best Anatomy Books

A Photographic Atlas

Johannes W. Rohen MD

Atlas of Human Anatomy

Frank H. Netter MD

The Anatomy Coloring Book

Human anatomy & physiology.

Elaine Marieb

Gray's Anatomy for Students

With student consult online access.

Richard Drake PhD

Atlas of Anatomy

Anne M Gilroy

Anatomy & Physiology For Dummies

Ross and wilson anatomy and physiology in health and illness, clinically oriented anatomy.

Keith L. Moore

Human Physiology

An integrated approach.

Dee Silverthorn

Color Atlas of Anatomy

A photographic study of the human body, clinical anatomy, applied anatomy for students and junior doctors.

Harold Ellis

Reinhard Putz

Thieme Illustrated Reviews

• 8 Best Anatomy Books for Medical Students | Nurse Theory www.nursetheory.com
• 10 Best Anatomy Books [2022] www.addall.com
• 14 Best Anatomy and Physiology Books | Anatomy Textbooks | BioExplorer www.bioexplorer.net
• 6 Best Anatomy books for medical students (reviewed) - Young Scrubs youngscrubs.com
• 20 Best Anatomy And Physiology Books For Medical Students themdjourney.com

What's the best anatomy book out there for medical students?

With so many to choose from, it's hard to pinpoint a single "best anatomy book." However, the anatomy book that has consistently received high ratings and positive Amazon reviews is Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy. The book features detailed images and descriptions, making it a favored resource for med students worldwide.

How does the anatomy book "Atlas of Human Anatomy" stand out among its peers?

Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy stands out due to its unique book features. Not only does it offer comprehensive information about body systems and the nervous system, but it also includes excellent visuals that provide an anatomical road map for students. It's like the stars of anatomy decided to come together in a book form.

As a medical student, should I stick to traditional books or explore digital books for learning anatomy?

Both traditional books and digital books offer their advantages when it comes to learning anatomy. Traditional books might help with the tactile aspect of learning and be easier on the eyes, while digital books are portable and easily updated with new editions. It's best to check both types and see which suits your learning style better.

Can I trust the reviews and ratings on Amazon when choosing an anatomy textbook?

Absolutely! Amazon reviews provide a review view from real users who can give insight into the material and usability of the book. However, remember to also consider other factors like the authors' reputation, the book's edition, and its relevance to your school's curriculum.

I heard that "Gray's Anatomy" is a good anatomy textbook. Is that true?

Yes, "Gray's Anatomy" is indeed a highly respected anatomy textbook. It offers a depth of information on human anatomy that's hard to beat. This book also provides a step-by-step approach to understanding the physiology of various body systems, making it a go-to resource for many medical students.

Besides the books, where else can I find useful anatomy and physiology resources for my med school study?

There are many free online medicine resources available, such as the American Association of Anatomists and the National Institutes of Health. These resources offer a wealth of information, from images of the human body to in-depth articles on various body systems and their functions.

How important are images in an anatomy book?

Images are incredibly important in an anatomy book. Visual learning is key to understanding anatomy and physiology. Images help students visualize the body systems, aiding in the absorption of material and making learning more efficient and effective.

Are anatomy books too expensive for students?

The price of anatomy books can vary, and some premium editions may indeed be pricey. However, many books offer excellent value for the price, providing comprehensive, in-depth, and easy-to-understand content. It's an investment in your medical education that can pay off in the long run.

Can I rely solely on an anatomy and physiology book for my studies?

While a good anatomy and physiology book can provide a solid foundation, it should be complemented with other learning resources. These can include lectures, lab work, digital resources, and additional texts. By using a variety of methods, you'll have a more rounded understanding of anatomy.

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6 Best Anatomy books for medical students (reviewed)

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Anatomy is one of the major subjects you will encounter in med school. It is mostly a visual field, but there is also an important theoretical part.

For visual learning, an anatomy atlas will illustrate all the anatomical regions you need to know. For the theoretical part, a clinical anatomy book will provide everything you need to succeed in this subject.

Personally, I had both an anatomy atlas and a textbook. I went for Netter’s atlas of human anatomy , and Moore’s clinically oriented anatomy (links to Amazon). I found both books to cover the subject brilliantly, and I can highly recommend them.

You might still ask yourself if it is necessary with both? And if there are other alternatives?

These are valid questions to ask before getting your anatomy book(s). With that in mind, let’s take a look a the best and most popular choices for anatomy atlases and textbooks for medical students.

Netter’s atlas of human anatomy

Thieme atlas of anatomy (gilroy’s), anatomy: a photographic atlas (rohen’s), moore’s clinically oriented anatomy, thieme anatomy: an essential textbook, grays anatomy for students, which anatomy book to choose.

Before we get started, remember that the subject is thought differently between universities. Thus, you should consult your university’s book recommendations. Even so, the books listed here should cover everything required for the average medical Anatomy course.

If you want to know more about the process I used to evaluate these books. Read my article about evaluating medical textbooks .

Netter’s anatomy atlas is one of the best-selling and most popular anatomy atlases on the market. It was my go-to anatomy atlas during med school, in fact, I still have it to this day.

This atlas contains hundreds of anatomical illustrations of the entire human anatomy. These include everything from internal organs to bare bones.

Almost all are painted by the late, great American surgeon and medical illustrator Frank H. Netter.

You might think that painted illustrations don’t translate well to what you see in real life. It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Netter’s illustrations have been painted with meticulous attention to detail. They do an excellent job of presenting anatomy in a clear manner.

Besides the level of detail, the illustrations are colored in a way that makes the structures distinct from each other.

Netter’s work has been compiled into the popular anatomy atlas bearing his name since 1989. It is currently printed in its 7th edition.

This atlas contains all the illustrations you will ever need for your anatomy studies in one single bind. The book offers great quality for the price, which has made it a student favorite for years.

You can check it out yourself by clicking this link to head over to Amazon. Here you can get a sneak preview as well as check out the current price.

The Thieme atlases are another student’s favorite, which included many of my peers in med school.

This is no coincidence as this atlas offers hundreds of detailed illustrations. Although not as good as Netters, in my opinion.

Different from Netter’s, the illustrations are sometimes supplemented with tables and boxes.

These tables can include various clinically relevant information. For example, there are tables with information about the origin, insertion, and innervation of various muscles.

It also employs a transparency technique in some sections. This shows how various anatomical structures are layered in some parts of the body.

The Thieme atlas of human anatomy comes as a single bind, a complete atlas. It also comes as a 3 volume series covering different areas of the human anatomy:

• General & musculoskeletal
• Head-neck and neuroanatomy
• Internal organs.

I would recommend going for the single complete bind. It’s cheaper and more practical.

Yet, I remember many of my fellow students chose to buy the head, neck, and neuroanatomy volume separately to cover the neuroanatomy in greater detail.

The complete atlas is currently printed in its 3rd edition. You can check it out by following this link to Amazon. There you can get a preview of the book as well as see its current price.

If you’re interested, you can also check out the head, neck and neuroanatomy volume, as well as the remaining two of the 3 volume series.

Rohen’s anatomy atlas separates itself from both Netter’s and Thieme. Here, the illustrations are actual pictures of carefully dissected cadavers.

This has made this atlas a favorite among some students. They usually find it easier to study from pictures as opposed to illustrations.

It is easy to understand why. The cadavers are beautifully dissected and the images are of high resolution.

The only downside with Rohens atlas is that it can sometimes be a bit difficult to see the fine and subtle difference between some structures.

Because of this, many of the illustrations are provided with color labeling to help you differentiate the various structures.

Available in print in its 8th edition, is a bit more expensive compared to the other atlases. But, it can well be worth the price if you find real-life pictures more compelling.

You should definitely have a sneak preview and check its current price . The pictures of the head and neck region are outstanding.

Moore’s clinically oriented anatomy gives you a comprehensive insight into clinical human anatomy.

Unlike the atlases, it is a textbook with a special focus on the relevant clinical anatomy.

This includes anatomy involved in physical diagnosis and interpretation of diagnostic imaging. Also, it tackles the anatomical aspects of emergency medicine and general surgery.

This textbook was my go-to book whenever I needed to supplement with some theoretical knowledge.

It will give you a lot more information than what is needed for your anatomy course. But, this is what makes this book so great as it will serve you well in other subjects later in your studies.

I found myself using it from physiology to radiology, orthopedics, surgery, and internal medicine.

Unlike some books which you never use again, I had and used this book throughout all my 6 years in med school. In fact, I still use it to this day.

I like how it presents the material in an orderly fashion, as well as its frequent use of clinical blue boxes.

These contain various clinical highlights about everything from anatomical variations, trauma, diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Follow this link to check it out for yourself as well as get the current price on Amazon.

Thieme’s anatomy textbook is what you might describe as an extensive review book. It is somewhat less comprehensive than the other textbooks.

Yet, with close to 500 pages of high yield anatomy, it more than provides what you will need for your average medical school anatomy course.

The book presents anatomy topics from head to toe with the widespread use of colorful diagrams and informative tables.

Also, blue clinical boxes are scattered throughout the book. These give you a short explanation of the clinical relevance of the anatomy being discussed.

It is praised for its high yield presentation and affordable price point. This has also made it a student favorite in anatomy courses worldwide.

Also, it has become a preferred book when studying for the USMLE . One reason is that each chapter includes a collection of USMLE style questions.

Although some students and teachers might point out it’s less comprehensive nature. This textbook is sure to serve you well for your anatomy studies.

This should make it one of your considerations when choosing an anatomy textbook.  

You can follow this link to get its current price on Amazon . Here you can compare its price with other alternatives and get a sneak preview.

Like Moore’s clinically oriented anatomy, this textbook is a comprehensive piece of work. It covers all aspects of human anatomy, as well as its relevance in everyday clinical work.

Also, its 1000+ pages are packed with colorful diagrams, illustrations, tables, and real-life radiographs like x-rays and CT scans.

Much of the clinical relevance of the anatomy, is highlighted in “in the clinic” boxes throughout the book. Also, it features extensive case reports for even higher clinical yield.

This makes this book applicable to much more than your average anatomy course. Like Moore’s, it continues to serve you well throughout your medical studies and beyond.

If you are considering getting a comprehensive anatomy textbook, this book should be on your shortlist.

To help you decide you can check it out for yourself by clicking this link to head over to Amazon . Here you can see get a preview and see the current price.

The first thing you have to consider is whether to get both an anatomical atlas and a textbook.

As mentioned, I had both, and I was able to continue to use the textbook through all 6 years due to its clinical material.

In my experience, the vast majority of students get their own anatomy atlas. Some get a textbook as well, while others rely on notes or the web for theoretical knowledge.

Some students only buy the textbook. They also have plenty of illustrations, and if they need more they can find them on the web.

Both will work fine, and what you choose to do is entirely up to you. The most important thing is to choose a textbook and/or atlas that appeal to your style of learning.

Also, you want to make sure it is comprehensive in scope and discussion for medical school. In case you wondered, the latter is true for all the books discussed here.

Explore your options

Like pointed out above, it is important to choose a book that suits you. To figure this out, set aside a little time to go through your potential candidates.

You can do this online or in a bookstore selling medical textbooks. You can also seek them out in the school library. Sit down with them and go through a couple of topics.

With the atlases, it is most important to find where you like the illustrations. The reason is that virtually all these books contain page after page with labeled anatomical illustrations or pictures.

With the textbook, you should pay attention to the format, as well as how the information is structured and presented.

Take the time to read through a couple of topics. This way, you can get a feel for how it presents the material. Did you understand it straight away, or if you find it difficult?

You should also look for intuitive illustrations, diagrams, and informative tables.

Get recommendations

When in med school, chances are that your university will publish book recommendations. Seek them out to get an idea of which books your teaching institution thinks are best suited for how they teach the subject.

You don’t need to get a book before you start. You can always delay your book purchases into the first couple of weeks. This enables you to ask your teacher/professor in the subject for his/her recommendations.

Keep in mind that professors, like students, tend to have their personal favorites. Also, professors, who are experts in their respective fields, can have a tendency to like very comprehensive books.

These might be wonderful for professors and Ph.D. students, but not the best for the average medical student.

One of the greatest sources for recommendations is your fellow and former students. Keep in mind that many of your fellow students might be as clueless as you.

When it comes to former students, they are most likely to have favorites that they strongly recommend.

You should think twice if these are the books they used themselves and are now trying to sell to you. Try to find students that give you unbiased recommendations.

The best recommendations are from former students who recommend the books they decided to keep after completing the course.

Bottom line

No matter where or from who you get recommendations, don’t follow one single recommendation blindly.

Make a shortlist with the alternatives from your recommending sources. Then do a little research to find the one you like the most. You won’t regret it as many medical textbooks tend to cost well over $50 dollars brand new.

If you would like to save some money buying your books, be on the lookout for second-hand books from other students.

You can also check out whether there are any used copies being sold through Amazon. Here you can find books for less than half the price of a new one.

I hope this article helped you on your quest for finding the anatomy books that are right for you.

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Anatomy and Physiology | Health Science

5 Best Anatomy & Physiology Textbooks for CTE Health Science in 2023 (Reviews)

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July 20th, 2023 | 8 min. read

Bri Stauffer

For nearly 10 years, Bri has focused on creating content to address the questions and concerns educators have about teaching classes, preparing students for certifications, and making the most of the iCEV curriculum system.

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Anatomy and physiology is a crucial topic for every health science student to learn.

To work in any healthcare career, your students need to understand the structure and function of the human body systems.

On top of that, these concepts are an essential piece of every health science certification!

That means you need a stellar resource to support your anatomy and physiology curriculum .

But how do you know which one to choose?

In no particular order, the top five anatomy and physiology textbooks are:

• Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease
• Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Understanding Anatomy & Physiology
• Body Structures and Functions
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

In this blog, you’ll find an overview of each book to help you determine which could be right for you!

1. Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease

• Published: 2020
• Retail Price: $85

Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease introduces students to foundational information about the human body, how it operates, and ailments that may threaten it.

The book uses the concept of a narrative journey that walks each student through each system and how it works as part of the body.

This “journey” is organized into 19 chapters:

• Anatomy, Physiology, and Disease: Learning the Language
• The Human Body: Reading the Map
• Biochemistry: The Basic Ingredients of Life
• The Cells: The Raw Materials and Building Blocks
• Tissues and Systems: The Inside Story
• The Skeletal System: The Framework
• The Muscular System: Movement for the Journey
• The Integumentary System: The Protective Covering
• The Nervous System: The Body’s Control Center
• The Endocrine System: The Body’s Other Control Center
• The Senses: The Sights and Sounds
• The Cardiovascular System: Transport and Supply
• The Respiratory System: It’s a Gas
• The Lymphatic and Immune Systems: Your Defense Systems
• The Gastrointestinal System: Fuel for the Trip
• The Urinary System: Filtration and Fluid Balance
• The Reproductive System: Replacement and Repair
• Basic Diagnostic Tests: What Do the Tests Tell Us?
• The Journey’s End: Now What?

Within each chapter, you’ll find callout boxes for students that help to reinforce how the concepts of each system relate to clinical applications in the healthcare workplace.

You’ll also find an appendix filled with related information including medical terminology and common disorders that affect the body systems.

Overall, any teacher looking for a foundational textbook would find Anatomy, Physiology, & Disease useful.

2. Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology

• Published: 2022
• Retail Price: $177 (paperback), $94 (eBook)

Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology introduces the fundamental concepts of human anatomy and physiology, assuming the student has no prior knowledge.

These concepts are organized into 24 chapters:

• Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Chemical Basis of Life
• Cellular Metabolism
• Integumentary System
• Skeletal System
• Joints of the Skeletal System
• Muscular System
• Nervous System I: Basic Structure and Function
• Nervous System II: Divisions of the Nervous System
• Nervous System III: Senses
• Endocrine System
• Cardiovascular System
• Lymphatic System and Immunity
• Digestive System
• Nutrition and Metabolism
• Respiratory System
• Urinary System
• Water, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
• Reproductive Systems
• Pregnancy, Growth, and Development
• Genetics and Genomics

Within each chapter, the student walks through the information in a three-step approach.

First, they learn key concepts and mechanisms of the body system.

Then, they complete practice activities to help reinforce the information.

Last, students do a self-assessment to measure their knowledge and understanding.

Because the information in Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology is presented as if the reader has no prior knowledge of A&P, this book is a great fit for an introductory anatomy and physiology course .

If you teach a more advanced class, this book may not be the right fit.

3. Understanding Anatomy & Physiology

• Retail Price: $74 (paperback), $56 (eBook)

Understanding Anatomy & Physiology is designed to help students learn basic anatomy and physiology through a visually focused approach.

The book includes 25 chapters, which are organized into five sections:

• Foundation of the Body
• Covering, Support, and Movement of the Body
• Regulation and Integration of the Body
• Maintenance of the Body

Foundation of the Body includes the first four chapters of the book. It introduces students to the basics of the human body with a heavy focus on cells.

Covering, Support, and Movement of the Body contains six chapters that discuss the integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and how they work together. Students also learn about detailed concepts like tissues, bones, and joints.

Regulation and Integration of the Body includes three chapters focused on the nervous system, sense organs, and endocrine system.

Maintenance of the Body spans across nine chapters and includes multiple the body systems, such as the respiratory system, digestive system, and lymphatic system.

Continuity contains the final three chapters of the book, which discuss the reproductive systems, human development, and the basics of heredity.

Overall, each chapter heavily incorporates full-color illustrations and figures to make complex anatomy and physiology concepts easier to understand.

That means Understanding Anatomy & Physiology could be a great option for an introductory course.

4. Body Structures and Functions

• Published: 2019
• Retail Price: $127

The Body Structures and Functions textbook provides an overview of the human body, how it functions, and related medical terminology.

The book is made up of 22 chapters:

• Introduction to the Structural Units
• Chemistry of Living Things
• Tissues and Membranes
• Central Nervous System
• Peripheral and Autonomic Nervous System
• Special Senses
• Circulation and Blood Vessels
• The Lymphatic System and Immunity
• Infection Control and Standard Precautions
• Urinary/Excretory System
• Reproductive System
• Genetics and Genetically Linked Diseases

Each chapter teaches students about different body functions and the medical terminology related to them.

You’ll also find sections that highlight the real-world applications of needing to know that information when working in the healthcare field.

If you teach an anatomy and physiology course focused on contextualizing medical terms, Body Structures and Functions could be just what you want!

5. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology

• Published: 2021
• Retail Price: $128

Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology is designed to teach students about the human body systems in a straight-forward, easily digestible format.

To accomplish this, the book is organized into 15 chapters:

• Foundations of Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Cells and Tissues
• Membranes and the Integumentary System
• The Skeletal System
• The Muscular System
• The Nervous System
• The Sensory Systems
• The Endocrine System
• The Respiratory System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Lymphatic and Immune Systems
• The Digestive System and Nutrition
• The Urinary System
• The Male and Female Reproductive Systems

Each chapter includes learning objectives, lesson summaries, vocabulary exercises, self-assessments, and examples of real-world applications.

This structure — paired with the fact that the book was written specifically for students in grades 9-12 — make Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology a great choice for a high school course!

On the flip side, this book may not go in-depth enough for your needs if you teach a more advanced course.

Which Anatomy and Physiology Textbook Is Right for You?

Though there are many other anatomy and physiology textbooks out there, this list will at least give you a starting point!

As you continue to learn about each resource, keep in mind that many teachers have success with more than just a traditional textbook.

In fact, many health science instructors have found that a comprehensive curriculum system works better for teaching the details of anatomy and physiology than textbooks!

iCEV offers an extensive anatomy and physiology course as part of its health science curriculum. With iCEV, you gain access to pre-built lessons, interactive activities, assessments, and more.

To learn more about iCEV and if it's right for you, visit the health science curriculum page :

Best Anatomy Books

10 Best Anatomy Books [2023]

One of the primary sciences for any health-related program is anatomy. Exploring the different organs body parts, anatomy gives students a better understanding of the human system. In this way, it becomes easier to understand pathology and illness.

The best way to fully comprehend human anatomy is with the use of an anatomy book. Containing numerous images of the different systems, organs, and tissues, these books are the ultimate visual guide only second to cadaver dissection. So, if you’re hoping to ace those anatomy exams, these top choices for the best anatomy book should help you along the way.

Top 10 Anatomy Books Comparison Chart

The anatomy of an anatomy book – choosing the best.

How different can each anatomy book be? After all, they discuss all the same things, so they’re not likely to be too different from one another. Much like teachers, books can either be an effective learning channel or a major source of confusion.

If you want to make sure you’ve got the best anatomy book to help you learn in the best way possible, consider these factors.

• Visual Aids.  Anatomy is best learned visually because of the nature of the subject matter. So most of the books you’ll find will have mostly images of the different organs and systems in the body to fuel your understanding.

Don’t be fooled though – just because a book has pictures, it doesn’t mean it’s going to help you learn. Older or more affordable publications don’t have colored pictures, which can make them very confusing.

Others have awkward labelling and legend systems that require readers to go back and forth between text and images to understand what they mean.

Look for an anatomy book that doesn’t make the process of learning confusing to make sure you get the complete gist of the subject matter with ease.

• Other Learning Styles.  Not everyone learns best with pictures and visual aids, that’s why anatomy books have to present information in other ways in order to cater to all types of learners.

Those who absorb knowledge best by using their hands can find anatomy books with pictures that need to be colored in. These help reinforce knowledge by allowing learners to use their hands when identifying different parts of the body.

Readers who prefer text can also find anatomy books with extensive chunks of text that further explain what the visual aids and diagrams can’t. Consider how you learn best and find an anatomy book that suits your learning preferences to get the most of the reading process.

• Supplementary Tools.  It’s common among different anatomy book publications to include some sort of supplementary learning tool. This further reinforces learning by providing readers more information that could otherwise not be presented through the book.

For instance, some books come with CDs that contain short quizzes and questionnaires to help you gauge how well you’ve learned. Some others have CDs that contain images of pathologies, essential for learning anatomy’s closely related science – physiology.

Books with supplementary tools don’t only make learning easier, but also give greater value to the money you spend. Make sure to look out for publications that offer these extras if you want to get more bang for your buck.

Top 3 Best Anatomy Book Reviews

1. atlas of human anatomy.

In any medical educational institution, the Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy is considered a holy grail. For over 25 years, this book has held its place as the golden standard of anatomy books, offering learners highly detailed images of the human anatomy in a fun and easy-to-understand layout.

The book explores the different systems as well as the different regions of the body to give learners various perspectives from which to understand the body. Region by region coverage is particularly helpful as an aid during dissection, during which students are tasked to locate structures on a cadaver.

Another reason why this option is often considered the best anatomy book is because it offers readers access to an exclusive online suite. The portal contains countless interactive tools and guides to help make solidify learning.

All in all, the Atlas of Human Anatomy: Including Student Consult Interactive Ancillaries and Guides 6 th Edition is definitely a worthy investment if you’re in search for a book that can really help you towards fully understanding anatomy.

2. The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition

Coming in at a close second is the The Complete Human Body, 2 nd Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide. This book takes pride in its highly detailed computer generated images that provide readers a realistic representation of the human body.

This book presents anatomy in a logical manner, first exploring the different parts, integrating them into their corresponding systems, and the discussing how neural pathways engage with the parts and the brain to showcase how they function.

While it doesn’t come with any supplementary learning tools, the The Complete Human Body, 2 nd Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide is comprehensive and complete. Providing readers an easy-to-understand flow of ideas and knowledge, there’s a lot to appreciate with this top notch publication.

3. Human Body: An Illustrated Guide

No doubt, high end anatomy books can cost close to a fortune because of the priceless information they contain inside. Of course, because not everyone has the money to splurge on a book, more budget-friendly alternatives have been introduced into the market.

The Human Body: An Illustrated Guide to Every Part of the Human Body and How It Works is your best bet if you’re looking for an anatomy book that fits your budget but still provides valuable information in an easy-to-understand way.

This book starts out by presenting the different body parts, and then discussing how they fit together. Each system is then explored in full detail to help readers understand how they function as a whole. Finally, the book also explores the different medical conditions that can afflict the various systems, from injury to cancer.

While it isn’t quite as extensive as other anatomy books, it provides just enough information to help you grasp the concepts of the subject with ease.