Rhoton’s Atlas of Head, Neck ,and Brain is an all-encompassing anatomical atlas of the head and neck, ideal for surgeons, anatomists and students. The book is a collaboration amongst a group of neurosurgeons and anatomists, and it features an extensive range of beautifully presented images of prosections and dissections. The labels are detailed, clear and accurate, and in both English and Latin. The format of language is also suitable for the UK audience.
There are four main chapters. The first chapter ‘Osteology of the Head and Neck’ covers in a step-wise manner the adult and foetal skull, skull base structures and cervical vertebrae and relevant vasculatures. Some of the more complex bony structures, such as the sphenoidal bone, are demonstrated via detailed sectional images. The second chapter, ‘Face and Neck’, covers in tremendous detail the superficial and deep facial layers, and the anterior and posterior neck compartments. This chapter contains many stunningly-dissected specimens of nerves, vessels and soft-tissues.
The third chapter, ‘Ear, Nose, Pharynx, Larynx, and Orbit’, covers the internal head and neck structures through cross-sectional prosections and endoscopic images. The anatomy of the eye, ear, nose and throat are demonstrated clearly and fully. The final chapter, ‘Neuroanatomy and Cranial Base’, is comprehensive and covers all the major intracranial structures, including cerebrum, meninges, vasculature, cranial nerves and midbrain, using a combination of prosections, sectional brain images and fibre dissections of the brain. Overall, the content is relevant and well-presented, and the structure logical and clear.
The online material is easy to access and includes all the images presented in its hardcopy counterpart but without the labels. It also includes additional 3D images (634 images) that can be viewed with the 3D glasses provided.
This atlas is a great reference point for visual learning of ‘real-life’ anatomy and a dissection guide, for anatomists, neuroscientists, medical and dental students, and surgeons specialising in the head and neck, such as neurosurgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons and ENT surgeons. For surgeons, it will certainly enhance their visualisation of the anatomy, which may aid surgical preparation and delivery. Of note, the atlas does not include additional narratives, such as anatomical explanations or clinical relations, therefore supplementary textbooks should be used in conjunction.
I believe this textbook is good value for money, especially for surgeons and anatomists requiring more detailed understanding of this complex region of anatomy, which is often poorly demonstrated in other textbooks. However, for students, there may be cheaper alternatives for the undergraduate level.
Rhoton’s Atlas of Head, Neck, and Brain is a comprehensive and detailed anatomical atlas of the head, neck and brain, that is relevant and second-to-none in its clarity and aesthetic presentation. A great reference book for visualising anatomy and as a dissection guide.
