Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy

ANNOTATION

The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some two-color illustrations.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Atlas of Functional Neuroanatomy presents a clear visual guide to understanding the human central nervous system (CNS). It is more than an Atlas, with text accompanying each full page illustration and introductory text for each section. The core information is organized to assist all learners, starting with an overview section on the CNS, then the sensory and motor functional systems, and subsequently a detailed look at the microanatomy." "Features: drawings and photographs of the brain, selectively labeled; presentation of all CNS pathways, illustrated with color; blood supply of the brain, in color; neuroimaging (CT and MRI) of the brain and spinal cord; microscopic anatomy of the human brain stem; an integrated view of the structures of the limbic system; and clinical aspects throughout.

FROM THE CRITICS

Rita Getz

This is an atlas of neuroanatomy with photographs, line drawings, three-dimensional computer generated images, and a few MRIs. Although the focus of the book is the illustrations, there are descriptive explanations accompanying each diagram. This book is listed as a first edition as it has been significantly modified from three previous editions of Hendelman's Student's Atlas of Neuroanatomy (W.B. Saunders) It is the author's intent to provide a tool to assist the student in the three-dimensional visualization of the human central nervous system. Indeed, the 3-D images are superb and are the highlight of this atlas. Although it is true that overlabeling a diagram tends to detract from the visual esthetics of an illustration, a paucity of labeling can minimize the usefulness of a diagram. Such is the case here; illustrations are not adequately labeled to be of significant use to the student, and orientation markings (dorsal/ventral, anterior/posterior, rostral/caudal) are generally absent. The author's target audience includes undergraduate students in neuroscience and psychology, allied health students, medical students, and professionals needing a review. I consider this to be too wide of a range in abilities and expectations for such a diverse audience, and in my opinion the book best targets allied health students. The atlas begins with a 73-page section, ""Orientation"" in which gross anatomical structures are identified. This is followed by a section on ""Functional Systems"" which gives descriptive text on one page with an appropriate illustration on the facing page. The text is meant to orient the student to relevant structures, but the language of neuroanatomy isnot fully embraced in the writing which makes it seem a bit simplistic at times. A list of illustrations at the beginning of the atlas, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and accompanying CD-ROM, are all outstanding features that add value to this atlas. Some color art, particularly that showing neural pathways throughout the neuraxis, is another fine feature of the atlas. And, as previously mentioned, the 3-D computer-generated images are outstanding. This atlas has some very nice features, particularly the 3-D images. However, several shortcomings should be noted: very little attention is given to the spinal cord and some photos needed the contrast adjusted, as the whites were washed out. This atlas does not provide sufficient detail to be a stand-alone text for a neuroanatomy course. Students will require a text and lecture notes in addition to this atlas. Although this atlas may be useful in an allied health neuroanatomy course, those who teach a rigorous neuroscience course for medical students will find it lacking in identification of structural detail.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Rita K. Getz, PhD (Midwestern University)Description: This is an atlas of neuroanatomy with photographs, line drawings, three-dimensional computer generated images, and a few MRIs. Although the focus of the book is the illustrations, there are descriptive explanations accompanying each diagram. This book is listed as a first edition as it has been significantly modified from three previous editions of Hendelman's Student's Atlas of Neuroanatomy (W.B. Saunders) Purpose: It is the author's intent to provide a tool to assist the student in the three-dimensional visualization of the human central nervous system. Indeed, the 3-D images are superb and are the highlight of this atlas. Although it is true that overlabeling a diagram tends to detract from the visual esthetics of an illustration, a paucity of labeling can minimize the usefulness of a diagram. Such is the case here; illustrations are not adequately labeled to be of significant use to the student, and orientation markings (dorsal/ventral, anterior/posterior, rostral/caudal) are generally absent. Audience: The author's target audience includes undergraduate students in neuroscience and psychology, allied health students, medical students, and professionals needing a review. I consider this to be too wide of a range in abilities and expectations for such a diverse audience, and in my opinion the book best targets allied health students. Features: The atlas begins with a 73-page section, "Orientation" in which gross anatomical structures are identified. This is followed by a section on "Functional Systems" which gives descriptive text on one page with an appropriate illustration on the facing page. The text is meant to orient the student to relevant structures, but the language of neuroanatomy is not fully embraced in the writing which makes it seem a bit simplistic at times. A list of illustrations at the beginning of the atlas, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and accompanying CD-ROM, are all outstanding features that add value to this atlas. Some color art, particularly that showing neural pathways throughout the neuraxis, is another fine feature of the atlas. And, as previously mentioned, the 3-D computer-generated images are outstanding. Assessment: This atlas has some very nice features, particularly the 3-D images. However, several shortcomings should be noted: very little attention is given to the spinal cord and some photos needed the contrast adjusted, as the whites were washed out. This atlas does not provide sufficient detail to be a stand-alone text for a neuroanatomy course. Students will require a text and lecture notes in addition to this atlas. Although this atlas may be useful in an allied health neuroanatomy course, those who teach a rigorous neuroscience course for medical students will find it lacking in identification of structural detail.

Booknews

A book/CD-ROM package presenting a clear visual guide to the human central nervous system (CNS). Features full-page b&w photos and detailed drawings and computer illustrations of brain sections and brain structures, plus text explaining each illustration and introductions for each section. Overviews the CNS and the sensory and motor functional systems, then presents a detailed look at microanatomy. Color is added to b&w images to illustrate CNS pathways and blood supply of the brain. Covers neuroimaging of the brain and spinal cord, and offers an integrated view of the structures of the limbic system. The CD-ROM contains all illustrations with the advantage of 3-D visualization and color. The author is a brain researcher on the faculty of medicine at the University of Ottawa. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

RATING

3 Stars from Doody

ACCREDITATION