Book Details

Like my previous review of Zerina Tomkins other textbook Applied Anatomy & Physiology: An Interdisciplinary Approach (2020) I was impressed with the scope and inclusions, especially the strong focus on case studies, in this text. Each chapter starts with a brief introduction to a body system as a revision of the system’s structure and main functions. Thereafter, examples of clinical cases are provided, followed by questions relevant to that case scenario. Each question is then explained by relating the answer to the anatomy and physiology underlying that response. This format allows the case studies to be a very accessible and useful way to integrate and apply knowledge in a seemingly clinical setting. Within the book there are 20 case studies ranging from the general clinical issue that could be seen in multiple populations to specific and special patient groups such as the elderly and pregnant. The questions and answers allow the key features of the case to be explored. Finally the addition of colourful and clear figures and diagrams adds to the understanding and are very eye catching, appealing to the reader and facilitating their understanding of the concepts. Throughout the text there is the sense the author is striving to emphasise and maintain a person-centred care model. The use of names throughout, while they are synonyms, is humanizing. Furthermore, the over writing style and format moves away from the traditional organ or system focused format to a more patient centred approach, in line with our clinical practice goals! Case Studies are primarily single organ issue based but certainly address any secondary or related issues, embracing a comprehensive view of the patient in any clinical setting. This text can be considered a great supplement that allows the clinician to explore anatomy and physiology in its more applied sense. Please don’t expect it to give you a full and comprehensive explanation of the anatomy and physiology this is clearly not its intention. Those wanting pure anatomy and physiology, down to the cellular level would be better served by a more theoretical anatomy textbook or resource. This book is only aiming to draw your knowledge out through the use of well-designed and diverse case studies.