10 Best Anatomy Books

One of the primary sciences for any health-related program is anatomy. Exploring the different organs body parts, anatomy gives students a better understanding of the human system. In this way, it becomes easier to understand pathology and illness.

The best way to fully comprehend human anatomy is with the use of an anatomy book. Containing numerous images of the different systems, organs, and tissues, these books are the ultimate visual guide only second to cadaver dissection. So, if you’re hoping to ace those anatomy exams, these top choices for the best anatomy book should help you along the way.

Top 10 Anatomy Books Comparison Chart

Picture Name Type Price Rating (1-5)
1. Atlas of Human Anatomy: Including Student Consult Interactive Ancillaries and Guides Paperback only $$
  • 4.7/5
2. The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide Paperback, hardcover $
  • 4.5/5
3. Human Body: An Illustrated Guide to Every Part of the Human Body and How It Works Paperback only $
  • 4.5/5
4. The Anatomy Coloring Book Paperback only $
  • 4.5/5
5. Anatomy: A Photographic Atlas Paperback only $$
  • 4.5/5
6. Human Anatomy Plus MasteringA&P with Pearson eText — Access Card Package Hardcover only $$$$
  • 4.3/5
7. Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology) Standalone Book Paperback and hardcover $$$
  • 4.3/5
8. Start Exploring: Gray’s Anatomy: A Fact-Filled Coloring Book Paperback only $
  • 4.3/5
9. Anatomy and Physiology For Dummies Paperback only $
  • 4.3/5
10. Grant’s Dissector Paperback only $$
  • 4.2/5

The Anatomy of an Anatomy Book – Choosing the Best!

How different can each anatomy book be? After all, they discuss all the same things, so they’re not likely to be too different from one another. Much like teachers, books can either be an effective learning channel or a major source of confusion.

If you want to make sure you’ve got the best anatomy book to help you learn in the best way possible, consider these factors.

  • Visual Aids. Anatomy is best learned visually because of the nature of the subject matter. So most of the books you’ll find will have mostly images of the different organs and systems in the body to fuel your understanding.

Don’t be fooled though – just because a book has pictures, it doesn’t mean it’s going to help you learn. Older or more affordable publications don’t have colored pictures, which can make them very confusing.

Others have awkward labelling and legend systems that require readers to go back and forth between text and images to understand what they mean.

Look for an anatomy book that doesn’t make the process of learning confusing to make sure you get the complete gist of the subject matter with ease.

  • Other Learning Styles. Not everyone learns best with pictures and visual aids, that’s why anatomy books have to present information in other ways in order to cater to all types of learners.

Those who absorb knowledge best by using their hands can find anatomy books with pictures that need to be colored in. These help reinforce knowledge by allowing learners to use their hands when identifying different parts of the body.

Readers who prefer text can also find anatomy books with extensive chunks of text that further explain what the visual aids and diagrams can’t. Consider how you learn best and find an anatomy book that suits your learning preferences to get the most of the reading process.

  • Supplementary Tools. It’s common among different anatomy book publications to include some sort of supplementary learning tool. This further reinforces learning by providing readers more information that could otherwise not be presented through the book.

For instance, some books come with CDs that contain short quizzes and questionnaires to help you gauge how well you’ve learned. Some others have CDs that contain images of pathologies, essential for learning anatomy’s closely related science – physiology.

Books with supplementary tools don’t only make learning easier, but also give greater value to the money you spend. Make sure to look out for publications that offer these extras if you want to get more bang for your buck.

Top 3 Best Anatomy Book Reviews

1. Atlas of Human Anatomy

Atlas of Human Anatomy

In any medical educational institution, the Netter Atlas of Human Anatomy is considered a holy grail. For over 25 years, this book has held its place as the golden standard of anatomy books, offering learners highly detailed images of the human anatomy in a fun and easy-to-understand layout.

The book explores the different systems as well as the different regions of the body to give learners various perspectives from which to understand the body. Region by region coverage is particularly helpful as an aid during dissection, during which students are tasked to locate structures on a cadaver.

Another reason why this option is often considered the best anatomy book is because it offers readers access to an exclusive online suite. The portal contains countless interactive tools and guides to help make solidify learning.

All in all, the Atlas of Human Anatomy: Including Student Consult Interactive Ancillaries and Guides 6th Edition is definitely a worthy investment if you’re in search for a book that can really help you towards fully understanding anatomy.

2. The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition

The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition

Coming in at a close second is the The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide. This book takes pride in its highly detailed computer generated images that provide readers a realistic representation of the human body.

This book presents anatomy in a logical manner, first exploring the different parts, integrating them into their corresponding systems, and the discussing how neural pathways engage with the parts and the brain to showcase how they function.

While it doesn’t come with any supplementary learning tools, the The Complete Human Body, 2nd Edition: The Definitive Visual Guide is comprehensive and complete. Providing readers an easy-to-understand flow of ideas and knowledge, there’s a lot to appreciate with this top notch publication.

3. Human Body: An Illustrated Guide

Human Body: An Illustrated Guide

No doubt, high end anatomy books can cost close to a fortune because of the priceless information they contain inside. Of course, because not everyone has the money to splurge on a book, more budget-friendly alternatives have been introduced into the market.

The Human Body: An Illustrated Guide to Every Part of the Human Body and How It Works is your best bet if you’re looking for an anatomy book that fits your budget but still provides valuable information in an easy-to-understand way.

This book starts out by presenting the different body parts, and then discussing how they fit together. Each system is then explored in full detail to help readers understand how they function as a whole. Finally, the book also explores the different medical conditions that can afflict the various systems, from injury to cancer.

While it isn’t quite as extensive as other anatomy books, it provides just enough information to help you grasp the concepts of the subject with ease.