This is a well organized, well written text that has great visual appeal as well. The contents are divided into two sections. Section one is anatomy, section two is physiology. Appendices include dissection notes, with handy references and mnemonic for listing the cranial nerves, selected muscle origins and insertions, a glossary for common terms and answers to the short quizzes that accompany each chapter. The illustrations are well done in detail and the color photographs are clearly labeled for ease in identifying anatomical features discussed. Each chapter is highlighted with a different brightly colored tab adding to the visual appeal of the text.
Each system and anatomical group is addressed in individual chapters and described in descriptive detail without being over burdensome. For example, the chapter on the anatomy of the respiratory system begins with a description of the nose and progresses to the larynx, trachea and lungs; taking the reader on a guided tour of the anatomy discussed. Chapters include Directional Terms, The Common Integument, Skeletal Anatomy, Muscle Anatomy, and Nervous and Endocrine systems, Anatomy of Joints, Urinary Tract, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Reproductive and Respiratory Anatomy. The section on Physiology has corresponding chapters to the Anatomy section and focuses solely on the function of each system in direct and clear language, allowing the reader to draw parallels between anatomy and physiology of a given system.
The text focuses primarily on cats and dogs, with the color photos being that of a cat dissection, but there are notes on horses, birds and ruminants as well. Some of the clinical vignettes presented at the beginning of each chapter are a bit simplistic, but overall they add an interesting clinical approach to the text.
This is a text that is a great addition to a veterinary technician’s library for enjoyable reading and as a reference source both in a clinical practice, a student library and as a reference for veterinary technicians.
Publisher: Wiley and Sons, 2012
149 pages, soft cover
ISBN# 978-0-8138-2264-8