Human Anatomy, Color Atlas and Textbook, 6e

Book Preface

The prime purpose of the first edition of Human Anatomy was to present topographical anatomy as it is seen in the dissecting room. The unique combination of photographs with accompanying labelled diagrams and concise text is preserved in this edition. However, the book has evolved to accommodate modern trends in the teaching of anatomy to emphasise clinical applications and problem solving.

Changes have included the addition of introductory sections for each chapter to provide an overview of each region; the incorporation of selected radiographs and CT scans and MR images; and the use of cross sections of all regions of the body to provide a basis for interpreting body scans.

Self-assessment exercises have included clinical case histories and multiple choice questions, as well as radiographs and scans, together with anatomical sections.

In previous editions the terminology was updated to conform to Terminologia Anatomica and a list of alternative terms is included. On occasions fonts have changed to improve readability.

In this edition we have continued to improve the text and the diagrams by remedying omissions and removing errors and ambiguities. In addition, we have added new radiographs and scans. The numerous examples of clinical and applied anatomy in each chapter are now clearly identified. After discussions with the publisher, we elected to indicate clinical comments by highlighting in blue and to employ enclosing arrows in some electronic media.

Whilst the book was initially written for medical and dental students, the content will now also be useful to candidates preparing for higher qualifications in surgical specialties and radiology. It will also be relevant to students in other professions where anatomy is a significant component of the course.

It is with sadness that we report the death of John Davies whose skills as an embalmer enabled the authors to prepare the many dissections presented in this atlas.

J.A.G., P.F.H., J.R.H., I.W., P.L.T.W.
2016