Clinical Anatomy

Rating:
Summary: Very Descriptive
Review: The sixth edition of "Snell's Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students" continues to provide readers with a thorough but appropriate degree of anatomical detail to be able to confidently conduct clinical practice. The current edition succeeds in virtually eliminating all extraneous details encountered with its predecessors, and now provides a much more streamlined, user-friendly format. Much emphasis has been placed on the inclusion of descriptive figures and tables where possible in order to minimize text as well as also being an advantage for study and review (especially the useful appendix section which nicely summarises the musculoskeletal system). Illustrations have received considerable improvement in the form of extensive use of colour and bold typing to facilitate easier interpretation. However, it is worth highlighting that the diagrams seem to provide an idealized view of human anatomy, rather than representing real dissections. As such, "Grant's Atlas of Anatomy" is perhaps a better companion in the dissecting room. Current diagnostic techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, sonograms and echocardiograms as well as labelled photographs of cross-sectional anatomy permeate the text, and reflect the expansion of technology in recent years. It is also pleasing to encounter more paediatric anatomy and embryology relevant to congenital defects which are subject areas often overlooked in anatomy books. Some of the more unique and agreeable features of Snell's Clinical Anatomy are the clinical notes and problem-solving sections at the end of each chapter which set Snell's text apart from other less clinically orientated anatomical books. Moreover, the presence of American National Board type questions also provide an effective means of self-testing. Overall, "Snell's Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students" is one of the most respected of all anatomy books, combining excellent descriptive detail with a ready accessibility that is often only found in essential revision texts

Rating:
Summary: Very Descriptive
Review: The sixth edition of "Snell's Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students" continues to provide readers with a thorough but appropriate degree of anatomical detail to be able to confidently conduct clinical practice. The current edition succeeds in virtually eliminating all extraneous details encountered with its predecessors, and now provides a much more streamlined, user-friendly format. Much emphasis has been placed on the inclusion of descriptive figures and tables where possible in order to minimize text as well as also being an advantage for study and review (especially the useful appendix section which nicely summarises the musculoskeletal system). Illustrations have received considerable improvement in the form of extensive use of colour and bold typing to facilitate easier interpretation. However, it is worth highlighting that the diagrams seem to provide an idealized view of human anatomy, rather than representing real dissections. As such, "Grant's Atlas of Anatomy" is perhaps a better companion in the dissecting room. Current diagnostic techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, sonograms and echocardiograms as well as labelled photographs of cross-sectional anatomy permeate the text, and reflect the expansion of technology in recent years. It is also pleasing to encounter more paediatric anatomy and embryology relevant to congenital defects which are subject areas often overlooked in anatomy books. Some of the more unique and agreeable features of Snell's Clinical Anatomy are the clinical notes and problem-solving sections at the end of each chapter which set Snell's text apart from other less clinically orientated anatomical books. Moreover, the presence of American National Board type questions also provide an effective means of self-testing. Overall, "Snell's Clinical Anatomy for Medical Students" is one of the most respected of all anatomy books, combining excellent descriptive detail with a ready accessibility that is often only found in essential revision texts

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not the best choice
Review: This is good anatomy text - but by no means the best that is out there. Snell's diagrams are overly simplistic and often unclear as to the relation of other nearby structures. The text is accurate and very straightforward but lacking in some of the clinical applications. This volume is more suited for an undergrad anatomy class and even then I would suggest a different and more detailed text. Try Keith Moore's Clinical Anatomy it is far superior and will serve you better than this. Out of the dozens of various anatomy texts I own - this one comes off the bookshelf the least.

Rating:
Summary: Good, but not the best choice
Review: This is good anatomy text - but by no means the best that is out there. Snell's diagrams are overly simplistic and often unclear as to the relation of other nearby structures. The text is accurate and very straightforward but lacking in some of the clinical applications. This volume is more suited for an undergrad anatomy class and even then I would suggest a different and more detailed text. Try Keith Moore's Clinical Anatomy it is far superior and will serve you better than this. Out of the dozens of various anatomy texts I own - this one comes off the bookshelf the least.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Text; Poor Diagrams
Review: This standard anatomy textbook for medical students is really a useful studying guide for mastering the structures and functions of the human body. The text is very clearly written with detailed descriptions. The book doesn't let you just memorize the names for every bit of the flesh, but also the 3D arrangement of any tissue and organ! But the diagrams are simply hand sketches which make the book less interesting.