Standring S, ed. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Elsevier; 2015; 1584 pp; $228.99
The newest (2015) and the 41st edition of Gray’s Anatomy is a mirror on the explosion of medical knowledge that has occurred over the past 8 years since the 40th edition was published. Historically, this iconic publication dates back to the first edition in 1858.
Edited by Dr. Standring of Kings College, London, there are over 100 contributors worldwide (MDs, PhDs), and appropriately, the text is subtitled “The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice”. In the 1584-page book, one can learn, relearn, and review the critical anatomic bases for imaging and patient care.
The readers of the AJNR will appreciate many positive points about this book. Right off the bat, we see that the cover of the book shows diffusion tractography of a portion of the brain, showing fibers connecting the precentral cortex to the postcentral and premotor cortices. Perhaps that is a first clue to how focused the book is on the anatomy with which neuroradiologists deal on a daily basis. In fact, well over half this edition carries vital neuroanatomic information, in all areas, including neurography, plexi, and peripheral nerves, all of which are within the interest of neuroradiology.
The section on neuroanatomy covers 170 pages, containing beautiful drawings, appropriate correlative MR images, and, as appropriate, integration of pathophysiology as it relates to anatomic structures. Flow charts, easily followed diagrams of complex anatomy, and cellular representations make these chapters invaluable. The head and neck section (over 300 pages) again displays the complex anatomy beautifully, with diagrams, detailed histology, and as appropriate, images. Pathologic conditions are shown and/or mentioned. Not to pick on just one area, but to describe the extreme value of the book, look for examples on the details of the inner ear in chapter 38. Rarely do we spend the time to understand the microanatomy and EM/histology of the area—for example, of the membranous labyrinth—yet in reality we deal with symptoms related to this structure on a routine basis. And, as we know, the details on MR of this structure improve on a yearly basis. The high detail as represented in this small section is replicated time and again in the other areas throughout the book. Spine details (bony, neural vascular, ligamentous, muscular) are likewise treated in an exhaustive and illuminating manner.
With this book also comes Gray’s ebook, which allows the reader to view videos, surgery, and enhanced images.
To this reviewer the 41st edition of Gray’s Anatomy is the single most important text a radiologist should own. Buy it not only for its practical and intellectual/educational value but to have in your possession—a slice of medical history.
