Which is your favourite Anatomy textbook and why?

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Hey everyone,

Sorry if this has been posted before, but I was wondering, which Anatomy textbook do you find to be the best overall?

I'm a recently-graduated portuguese nurse, and I've been considering an international career, specially in countries where english is the required language. Because of this, I'm making an effort to read "health literature" in english, and I'm currently hunting for a good anatomy textbook. I have the portuguese version of Seeley, Stephen and Tate's Anatomy and Phisiology, and I used it to get trough my 4 years of training, however, I became a little disappointed with the book. Though it's quite straight foward, it's not exactly deep enough to make me feel that I actually KNOW something. Then again, it includes a good balance between anatomy and phisiology.

Anyway, I'm mainly interested in anatomy, so I've been searching the internet, bookstores, etc, and I'm split between two books: Moore and Dalley's "Clinically Oriented Anatomy" and "Gray's Anatomy for Students". I've heard wonders about Moore's, but once I held the book in my hand and took a look at the illustrations, they really didn't seem nowhere as pleasing as Gray's. Gray's Anatomy for Students does shine in that department, but I hear Moore's a better read.

One of the bookshop keepers said that Gray's a hit among 1st year medicine students, but Moore's sells pretty well among students in clinical trials and doctors. So, what would you guys suggest? Either one of these of some other one?

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For A&P 1 and A&P 2, I used Elaine Marieb's Anatomy & Physiology. I do like the textbook. I sometimes wish it had more than the small subsections it has on pathophysiology and pharmacology, but those are different subjects.

I hope to enter nursing school in January. I have not heard of the texts you mention, but will look into them. Hope my reply helps you.

By the way, I purchased my copy of Marieb's book from a Singapore seller on eBay. It arrived to me within two days and in excellent condition for a below-market price. (I am in the U.S.)

After a quick perusal of the books you mention on Amazon, I think that you should go with one of them. I think Marieb's book may be too basic for you. Per your info, I am interested in both texts. The Gray's book costs a little more used, but it seems to get some of the better reviews. From the sound of the reviews overall, I don't think you could go wrong with either of them.

Thank for sharing and asking. Your question was beneficial for me! :)

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I know of an excellent one, that does not lose the terminology, but explains things simply. It includes a great deal of information that can be used for nursing. I can't remember the exact name of it, but when I get home, I will post again with the name of this book. It is not as large as the others, is paperback, but is EXCELLENT. I purchased it after I graduated and wished I had it as a side book while I was in school.

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Hello again and thanks for the replies!

I couldn't find Elaine Marieb's Anatomy & Physiology, but I think I'll go for Moore's. It's slightly more advanced than Gray's, and the bookshop keeper did mention that Gray's is used for the 1st medicine year. So I guess I'll build up on the basics that I have now.

Thank you both so much for the replies, but pagandeva2000, I'm still interested on your sugestion! :)

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