Hands-on Anatomy

Reviewed by Paul Cacolice, Associate Professor, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education on 4/15/26

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

Open Kinetic Chain motional analysis in tables is helpful, especially with entry-level clinical applications. If clinical applications are offered, then please consider adding a column with closed kinetic chain function of each musculoskeletal unit, along with clinical function. One example would be of the gluteus medius preventing adduction and medial rotation of the femur in closed chain.

The rationale for this statement is that Open Kinetic Chain action for Musculoskeletal Units are listed. As such, so should the closed kinetic chain action. Likewise, if peripheral nerves and branches are noted for innervation, why not the proximal neurological level? And if motor innervation is listed, why no mention to sensory innervation?

Although impactful ligamentous tissue is not as numerous as musculature tissues in an entry-level gross musculoskeletal anatomy text, there are specific tissues that should be identified. Among these are the Anterior Longitudinal Ligament of the spine, and Ligamentum Teres of the femoro-acetabular joint. The most evident of this is the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the tibiofemoral joint, but no discussion of the posterior and anterior cruciate ligament.

Motor innervation is noted at the nerve and branch level. What is missing are several important components 1) Dermatomal maps, and 2) (as above) the neurological (root) level (i.e.: L3) for each Musculotendinous unit. Although not essential, a nice addition would be the common reflexes and testing for upper and lower neurons (Babinski, Oppenheim, Beavor)

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The emphasis on palpation in this OER is not necessary. To palpate a selected skeletal tissue is helpful only when that landmark can be palpated. Palpation of some skeletal landmarks, and many soft tissues at any appreciable depth is not always possible. In healthcare, palpation of a tissue is unlikely to provide any information that can’t be done in another method.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

Noted use of the term ‘fibularis’ rather than ‘peroneal’ for lower limb musculature.

Clarity rating: 5

Appropriate and effective Static and Dynamic Anatomical Terminology. Utilization of standard cardinal plane images.

Consistency rating: 5

Terminology is consistent and precise. Chapter structure is consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

OER is structured by functional body segment, rather than anatomical. An examples, hip and thigh are combined in a chapter. Anatomically, thigh is normally associated with the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints, but from a functional standpoint, thigh could be more arguably associated with the hip.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This text follows an Upper Extremity to Spine to Lower Extremity pattern. Not unique in anatomical texts. This is likely more focused on anatomy rather than function for this reason. Each chapter follows ‘skeletal-to-musculature-to-‘other landmarks’-to-range of motion-to- clinical ‘correlations’ (see comment below).

Interface rating: 3

The coloration of skeletal images is a plus. The images are often scaled out too widely to appreciate the actual location of the landmark.
Effective utilization of line drawings and pictures of humans. In some of the images and line drawings, the scale of the content is too broad, and would be aided with close-ups of the same image.

What would be a helpful addition would be to overlie the human images with line drawings.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Rethink the term ‘correlation’ with the Chapter component: ‘Clinical Correlations’. There were no ‘correlations' stated. Rather, this component is clinical aspects or applications.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

No cultural challenges are noted. Example images are of different skin colors, and sexes.

This review explored the Hands-On Anatomy as an OER resource for an undergraduate, entry-level musculoskeletal anatomy and function course. Our current text for this purpose is the traditional Hollinshead Functional Anatomy of the Limbs and Back, by Jenkins. For this purpose, the Phillips and O’Hara text would serve well, with minimal augmentation by the faculty.

Reviewed by Amy Obringer, Professor of Biology, University of Saint Francis on 10/2/25

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

All relevant organ systems are covered.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

Connect is accurate. Some images could be improved such as the ones early in the book which look like a college student posed for the pictures.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The text is well-written and organized. Too wordy at times.

Clarity rating: 4

The content was clear. The organization was logical.
The layout was similar to any other A&P book, but with the addition of palpation instructions.

Consistency rating: 5

The organization was consistent.

Modularity rating: 5

The chapters were appropriately divided into sections of appropriate size.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The organization was logical.

Interface rating: 5

no errors were noted

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I did not see any grammar errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Both Caucasian and non-Caucasian were represented in the figures.