How to choose the best anatomy atlas

Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy

This atlas is one of the most popular (if not the most popular) anatomy atlas of all time, so pretty much the Taylor Swift of anatomy atlases. It is known for its colorful, vibrant hand-drawn illustrations of the human body.

Netter’s atlas contains detailed and clearly labeled drawings organized into regions of the body, including the head and neck, back and spinal cord, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and perineum, upper and lower limbs, and more.

Pros:

• Detailed, vibrant illustrations: The main strength of this atlas are its clear and colorful illustrations that bring the complexities of human anatomy to life.
• Muscle tables: At the end of each section, this atlas contains neat muscle summary tables providing a quick reference and high yield overview of the main muscle key facts. Additionally, their “see also” tips can be very helpful!
• Student consult: If you buy the physical version of the book, you get access to more plates, dissection videos and quizzes online.

• Lack of context: Another limitation of this atlas is its minimal level of context and information, as it contains only anatomical labels without any accompanying text or clinical correlations.
• Thick and heavy: Even the lack of descriptions and explanations could not save this atlas from being a thick and back-breaking book, making it impossible to carry around the campus or anatomy lab.
• On the pricier side: Purchasing a new paperback of this atlas costs $89 to $110, with the eBook version raising the price to $170, marking Netter's anatomy atlas as pricier than similar products.

Grant's Atlas of Anatomy

Grant's Atlas of Human Anatomy is a long-standing contender in the world of anatomy atlases. While Netter is probably the most popular atlas, Grant's Atlas of Human Anatomy still holds its own with some unique features that gives it its own place in this competitive landscape.

The atlas was first published in 1943 and has been through plenty of revisions, currently being in its 15th edition as of 2021. Similar to Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy, the Grant Atlas of Human Anatomy covers the human body following a regional approach.

The material is divided into nine chapters, covering everything from the back through the upper limb to cranial nerves.

Pros:

• Unique illustration style: The illustrations in Grant’s atlas stand out from the crowd with its more “sketchy” and almost playful style of drawing. This might be refreshing for some, but others might prefer a more smoothly rendered type of drawings. Since it’s a matter of taste we still counted it as a pro.
• Added context: Unlike many atlases, Grant’s atlas provides some additional descriptions and legends to the images, and not just labels. These sometimes include clinical relevance, which can enrich the learning experience.
• Medical imaging: Aside from the clinical context, Grant’s atlas also features some radiological anatomy images, including ultrasounds, X-rays and MRIs.
  Summary tables: This atlas is also equipped with summary tables, particularly for muscle anatomy, that collect the key information on muscle attachments, innervation and functions.

Cons:

• Tiny labels: Even if you’re not farsighted, you might find the labels in Grant’s book challenging to read. This especially rings true in the eBook version, in which people have reported about the constant need to zoom in to discern the letters.
• Confusing organization: Although the main chapters are organized in a logical regional approach, the sections within the chapters lack an intuitive organization. For example, one part of a region is explained in one section, while the other part is covered much later in another section, making it quite difficult to navigate.
• Limited additional resources: This atlas does offer some online resources, however they are quite sparse, including only a handful of videos on specific topics.
• Bulky size: At 887 pages, Grant’s atlas is pretty heavy and bulky, making it quite difficult to carry around the campus.

Gilroy's Atlas of Anatomy

Despite being one of the youngest atlases of this list having been originally published in 2012, Gilroy’s Atlas is an essential resource for many students studying gross anatomy. This is confirmed by the fact that this atlas holds the number 1 spot on Amazon's list of Best Selling Medical Atlases. Definitely for a reason!

Gilroy’s main strength is a seamless integration of clinical correlations into the anatomy knowledge. In probably every part of this book, you can find some clinical reference that ties back a certain anatomy structure.

Pros:

• Clinical boxes: A standout feature of Gilroy's Atlas are its clinical boxes which give the anatomy more context and help to apply the anatomy in clinical practice.
• Comprehensive coverage: Unlike other resources that separate anatomical knowledge from clinical application, this atlas provides a more holistic approach. This is particularly appreciated by those who prefer a unified source for both anatomical structures and their clinical significance.
• Radiology content: In its latest, fourth edition, this atlas has been enriched with some new sections with radiology images, which some might find useful.
• Muscle fact spreads: The atlas offers neat tables for review of the essential muscle facts including origin, insertion, innervation, and action.
• Quite affordable: While not being the most affordable one on this list, it’s certainly not too expensive either. With a price of around $44-66 on Amazon, it can definitely be regarded as one of the affordable anatomy atlases.

Cons:

• Basic illustrations: A critique of Gilroy's Atlas relates to its illustrations, which some might find to be rather basic and too digital.
• Off-balanced content: Some users might feel that the balance between the clinical correlations and the anatomy nuances is off and that the atlas is lacking more elaborate illustrations.
• Bulky size: As it often goes with anatomy atlases, this one is also quite heavy and big, so you probably won’t be walking around the uni with the Gilroy atlas.

Rohen's Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body

Rohen’s Color Atlas of Anatomy stands out in the market of medical atlases by utilizing a unique approach; instead of drawings or digital renderings, the atlas uses real-life photographs to teach human anatomy.

For students that prefer the highest level of realism and precision, especially useful for dissections, then the Rohens atlas is the right choice. Moreover, The latest 9th edition of this atlas has been updated to organize anatomical structures systematically and regionally, just like the sequence students follow in dissection labs.

Pros:

• Ultimate realism: The core strength of Rohen's Atlas lies in its real-life photographs of cadaver dissections, bones, and radiographs. For some people, this level of realism might make the anatomy structures a lot more memorable.
• Clear and organized labeling: The atlas excels in the clarity and organization of its labels, utilizing colors to aid in the differentiation of anatomical structures.
• Clear layout: The atlas is praised for its crisp and clear layout, which enhances the learning experience by making it easier for students to navigate and absorb information.
• Clinical relevance: The clinical comments throughout the atlas improve understanding and clinical application, helping students to not only be prepared for exams but for real-world medical settings as well.

Cons:

• The visuals are not for everyone: Those who prefer illustrations and drawings to real photographs might find this atlas less appealing, or even appalling. The realistic depictions may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and some might find it even gloomy and a bit depressing.
• Lack of subtle details: Due to the nature of using real photographs, some subtle anatomical details might be harder to discern compared to more stylized, illustrative approaches. This can be a limitation for those seeking to study minute details.
• Costly investment: Rohen's Color Atlas of Anatomy is on the pricier side, with the paperback edition costing around $98, and the eBook version at $97. This makes it more expensive than other anatomy atlases, posing a significant financial consideration for students.

Kenhub Atlas of Human Anatomy

The Kenhub printed atlas represents a collection of clear and didactically valuable images from Kenhub, intuitively organized to aid you in your mastery of the anatomy of the human body.

The features of this modern atlas were formulated by direct input from students of anatomy and experienced educators. It was designed by the preferences of anatomy students to assist in the challenges of identifying structures in the anatomy lab, and to assist in studying for written exams.

While being a new player in the game of printed anatomy atlases, the Kenhub atlas still comes strong on this list due to our long experience and good reputation of our online anatomy atlas on the market. This pushed us to develop something tactile and move to the physical world, with making our own innovative and revolutionary heaps, hoping that the medical world will catch on.

Pros:

• Pocket sized: This atlas was specifically designed to fit the usual lab coat. This is meant to alleviate the pain point of many students for not being able to carry their atlas around and study remotely.
• Plenty of explanatory text: Aside from just pure labels, the Kenhub atlas provides much needed context and detailed descriptions of the structures. If you are a visual learner but you also like to get into the nitty gritty of things; if you need to truly understand something before you’re able to memorize it; then the Kenhub atlas is for you over other atlases from this list.
• Clear and organized labels: The labels are carefully curated, so each image displays those that are relevant for the topic. Color coded legends and other types of visual emphasis enable focusing on must-know information
• Summary tables: Key facts for each topic are represented in precise tables and cheat sheets, alleviating the pain of flipping pages and searching for references about different high-yield points.

• Diverse anatomical models: The models within the anatomical illustrations feature various ethnicities and gender distribution, which represents a significant shift towards a more inclusive and equitable learning environment in anatomy education.
• QR code integration with online resources: The atlas is complemented by rich online learning resources on kenhub.com, including online atlas galleries, articles, study units, videos and quizzes. The Kenhub atlas features several QR codes in each study section to instantly connect the atlas to the corresponding topic at kenhub.com, enhancing the student’s learning experience.
• Cheap price tag: Retailing at around 45$, it’s price is the most affordable on the market.

Cons:

• Lack of clinical correlation: One downside is the lack of clinical correlation at the end of each section, but Kenhub is working on including these in one of the next editions.
• Lack of cadaveric content: The Kenhub atlas does not feature cadaver images, which might be a drawback for someone studying specifically for dissection classes.
• Lack of medical imaging content: While this atlas does not feature any medical imaging content in the current edition, this content can be found on the Kenhub website, which is perfectly integrated with the atlas.
• Small font size: being pocket sized does come with its drawbacks, and that is the fact that the text is quite small. Some people with visual impairments or older people might need to make an effort to be able to read the text.

Use your atlas in the anatomy lab

Dissecting real human cadavers is an excellent way to learn anatomy and gain a deeper understanding of the subject. By looking at the structure in your atlas and comparing it to real life, you will be able to make it stick. Studying in the cadaver lab with peers and teaching each other can enhance learning and make it more engaging.

Most atlases are huge and very heavy, making them almost impossible to carry around (unless you want to break your back!). However, the Kenhub atlas is compact and lab coat-friendly so it makes a great resource for portable anatomy reference.

Combine digital and physical resources

Ideally, you will have resources that span both the physical and digital world. Some atlases, like Netter’s and Grant’s have some complimentary online resources as well. You can access them by going to a specific website like Student Consult, redeeming your code that came with the physical copy, and then browse the available resources.

However, the most seamless way is definitely with the Kenhub atlas. Every section of the book has 1 or more QR codes that perfectly integrate the Kenhub atlas and the Kenhub website. When scanned with your smartphone, the QR code instantly leads you to the corresponding topic on Kenhub.com, where you can view any related images, articles, videos and quizzes.

Combine with other learning methods

Using your atlas as a companion to other sources is a good way to go. For instance, you might be getting the core information about a topic from an anatomy textbook. As you go through the text, try to visualize the structures you’re learning about by finding them in your atlas. The more comprehensive an atlas is, the more context it provides you with, the easier it will be for you to truly understand rather than just plainly memorize anatomical facts.

Understanding is just the first step in the learning path. In order to memorize, you’ll need to try and actively reproduce your knowledge. Some students do so by closing the book and trying to simply retell the subject in their own words, some just take quizzes, while some do a combination of both. Retelling a topic in your own words is a good way to see for yourself how well you understand the topic.

Doing the quizzes can lift your knowledge to another level, because such a method picks the most relevant facts in various different formats to ensure you’ve truly learnt the topic. This is a process called active recall.

Active recall is defined as the conscious effort to retrieve information without the aid of study materials, thus significantly strengthening memory and understanding.