Anatomy and Physiology 2e
The overview at the beginning of each chapter and direct objectives at the beginning of each section are very well established, but lie in the "Understanding" category of Bloom's Taxonomy. The "Chapter Reviews" at the end of each chapter are also helpful including brief summaries on individual sections and multiple choice review questions in addition to critical thinking questions to test for understanding and application of the material. It is very effective that the answers to "End of Chapter Questions" are listed at the end of the book to allow the students the opportunity to think through the questions and recognize the concepts that they have a firm understanding in, and which they do not yet fully grasp. Additionally, having the function of "Finding" a word in the text is a great interactive feature for students who are looking inquisitively into a particular detail or topic subject in which to study. Finally, the advantage of having the ability to include interactive page links throughout the text is extremely helpful for navigating through the online text, mimicking the ability to quickly flip through pages, while not becoming disoriented in the large volume of information.
Several characteristic details are spared which do not change the meaning of the information written, but unfortunately does not disclose some of the truths of the information. (example: Radiograph vs x-ray). Again, this may be a minute point to illuminate in a collaborative anatomy and physiology textbook. When entering into the specifics of the field in anatomy, the exhaustive details result in the separation of mastering the subject matter and superficial understanding from a student perspective.
More clinical aspects of the anatomy being described would be useful, in addition to the treatments and procedures for such clinical aspects. This would be an easily identifiable way to keep track of the progress of medicine and treatment policies. Most of the anatomy itself may change slightly but for the most part has been identified and is established in Latin/Greek root words. Perhaps at the end of the section some of the terminology that has been changed from eponymous names to anatomical names could be identified (ie: Fallopian tubes = Uterine tube). Additionally this would allow for students of a higher caliber to feed their curiosities on relevant topic matter while not inundating the less developed students.
The clarity of this text is undoubtedly apprehensive. Anatomy is filled with an array of jargon and discipline specific terminology. However, the majority of terms are defined as an easily accessible prose. Key terms are listed at the end of each chapter which help to allude to the important wording of the complex structures and ideas. The use of language and flow of information is highly comprehensive allowing for intrigue in reading the subject matter while still including and highlighting the scientific aspects of the material-without overbearing the reader in copious amounts of vernacular.
The framework for this text is most congruous with the large volume of information exhibited.
Terminology is clearly defined at the end of each chapter. However, some of the terminology is out of date, for instance including only Eponymous naming of structures rather than the more recently acceptable terminology of anatomical classification and distinction, as stated previously.
The structure of this text is very clearly organized. Multiple sections per chapter allow for the flow of information to be categorized properly and assignment of particular and distinct subject areas for the students, without them having to read 100 pages per lecture.
For an anatomical and physiological standpoint, great organization: levels of organization; support and movement; regulation, integration and control; fluid and transport; energy, maintenance, and environmental exchange; human development and the continuity of life. This structure of material building from the basics of physiology through the combination of detail to reach higher levels of organization in the body is very well done. Additionally it is highly correspondent to many other combined anatomy/physiology textbooks in terms of order of material which allows for ease of access to similar information.
Many of the images, while very effective in caricature and animated drawings, are mostly effective for basic understanding and conceptualization of these 3D concepts. Due to the high complexity of the subject matter presented, it may also be advantageous to include actual specimen figures and/or more realistic drawings of the anatomical features being depicted and portrayed. This would help bridge the gap of understanding to comprehension required for higher order thinking and development at the collegiate level.
A large composition of the interactive links leading to interactive videos are inaccessible or no longer viewable, and result in an error. I tried accessing the links from different networks and computer sources and concluded with the same dysfunction. I unfortunately was unable to find additional technological support or alternative avenues in which to utilize this function, which was disappointing.
I am not a trained grammarian and ultimately did not become aware of any major instances of grammatical error that led to informational misunderstanding.
This text has no bias nor deviation of ethical implications towards cultural influences that may be perceived as malicious or insensitive. Scientifically, there could be increased reference to the different anatomical and/or physiological characteristics of major ethnic groups. This then perhaps couldbe indicated by boxes on the side of the page indicating cultural "Did you know" information breaks.
This review is based primarily on the evaluation of an anatomical basic.
Strictly as a physiology and anatomy textbook, this source provides a plethora of information and with a wide degree of detail. Specifically however, for courses that are separated into physiology and anatomy, this textbook would not be sufficient for either subject independently. This could definitely be used as an introductory level, or combined anatomy/physiology course for lower level courses. A specific physiology and anatomy book would be required for higher lever courses focusing on the specifics of the material for a deeper and more analytic and evaluative understanding for the student. That being said, this text would be a great starting point or use of reference for students, particular for those who may have previously never studied physiology or anatomy, to expose themselves to the building blocks and intimate cohesion of the subjects of anatomy and physiology.