Product Details

Richard I. Cook

This is the seventh edition of this book on anatomy particularly directed to the needs of anesthetists. The book has achieved substantial standing among anesthesia practitioners, and this latest edition will maintain that position. Although intended for the practitioner, medical students, nurses, and residents in training will also find the book easy to read and possessed of a clarity of style, both in writing and illustration, that is unusual in medical texts. The eight main divisions comprise nearly 50 distinct topics in a straightforward, logically organized manner. The book is especially remarkable for the quality of the line drawings, which include careful, deliberate use of color and shading. The drawings would be useful in teaching or to help explain anatomic issues to patients and families. It is also worth noting that the choice of typeface and arrangement of text on the pages give the book a pleasing appearance that Jan Tschichold would appreciate. This book is handsome enough to serve as a gift for any practitioner.

Reviewer: William A. McDade, M.D., Ph.D.(University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)
Description: This is a comprehensive written and pictorial description of the anatomy of interest to anesthesiologists. It is arranged by anatomical structure and focuses on the cardiorespiratory system, specific nerves, and specific zones of anesthetic interest. There is a brief description of the anatomy of pain perception.
Purpose: This eighth edition is written to assist the anesthesiologist in understanding all of the anatomical structures of importance in humans; it is not simply an atlas of regional anesthesia. Such an approach is laudable because anesthesiologists require expert knowledge of airway structures, the lungs and heart, the position of blood vessels, and the interrelation between structures; not simply the course of nerves to effect placement of nerve blocks. The careful descriptions and simple figures allow readers to appreciate the anatomy and frequent practical technical anesthesia points enhance the material.
Audience: The book is written for practicing anesthesiologists and is suitable for trainees. The author notes that the teaching of anatomy is necessary for the safe practice of anesthesia. Further, this is recognized by examiners who frequently ask questions on anatomy in certifying examinations making this updated, concise review most relevant.
Features: Each chapter covers an anatomical structure. The narrative provides the physical description and often the developmental anatomy. There a number of original line drawings with appropriate labeling and simple coloring. Occasionally there are specific references as to how the anatomy affects anesthetic care of patients. Technical information regarding laryngoscopy, airway assessment, placement of needles for nerve blocks, and location of vascular structures for cannulation are provided. The authors describe all the details. Unfortunately, there are no references.
Assessment: The eighth edition does not add significant new content to its predecessor, but the quality of construction of the new version is far better than that of the previous edition whose binding was poorly done and whose appearance was quite bland. However, it is still a most useful entry and should be available to any physician who desires to truly understand the anatomic relations of the structures manipulated daily in the practice of anesthesiology.

Booknews

The new edition (last, 1993) of this anatomy textbook for anesthetists continues to be organized into eight chapters: the respiratory pathway; the heart; the vertebral canal and its contents; the peripheral nerves; the automatic nervous system; the cranial nerves; the anatomy of pain; and zones of anesthetic interest. It provides an understanding of the anatomy of the airway, the function of the lungs, the circulation, venous access, monitoring neuromuscular block, and many other aspects of practical anesthesia, keeping in mind the requirements of the anesthetist daily practice. This edition also includes much updated nomenclature and a number of new, single-color illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Rating

3 Stars from Doody

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents