" Ross and Wilson anatomy and physiology texts have been used by students and clinicians for more than 50 years. This new 12th edition is an excellent resource. Illustrations have been updated, with additional coloured electron micrographs and photographs that bring learning to life in a vibrant way. The structure and functions of the body and the effects of illness are explained, with interactive online activities, videos and study aids to support the learning process. There are sections on how the body deals with food, drink, elimination and the systems and functions of the respiratory, digestive and urinary processes. It also addresses how the body protects itself against disease and infection, the immune system, and genetics and reproduction. There are new sections on the implications of normal ageing on the structure and function of the body systems. The glossary has been expanded, as have the online access, learning outcomes and normal values tables.

This book is excellent value for money." Reviewed by Pamela Shaw, practice educator, health visitor and Queen''s Nurse in West Yorkshire, Nursing Standard, Aug 14 "This book is aimed at undergraduates and is what it suggests in the introduction ''a straightforward approach'' to anatomy and physiology. It is simplistic, and in places reminiscent of A-level text. However where the book doesn''t deliver in depth of knowledge it surpasses itself in the illustrations. The chapter on the nervous system, has excellent informative diagrams where even the plexus appear understandable even to a novice. This is the book''s strength and as a reference tool for patients would be helpful. For qualified physiotherapists most chapters are basic; for example the musculoskeletal section. Within this chapter the diagrams are not detailed enough which is not the case in other sections.

I wonder whether this is representative of the authors'' backgrounds in nursing and biomedical science as the segments relating to physiology are written with confidence. One aspect which I was interested in was the book blurb claiming "new sections on the implications of normal ageing on structure and function of body systems" (whether or not this was due to passing a birthday milestone I cannot possibly comment), which was a disappointment (the book not the birthday). A short paragraph at the end of each chapter with bon mots such as ''loss of teeth may cause difficulty chewing'' (pg 318) does not constitute a ''section'', or at least not a section worth promoting. Before this book is tossed into the reject pile, the e-resources must be considered. Any educational book worth its marketing budget must incorporate e-learning and this book is no exception. To be honest, let''s be thankful that it has. Easy to access, clear navigation and adding so much more to the book makes the on-line resource impressive and relevant; as a revision aid, a reference tool for you and patients. There are animations, drop and drag quizzes, case studies which make you think, "this information was in the book?", clear (and much more detailed) interactive anatomy diagrams and all the book illustrations which you are able to save.

The possibilities for patient education suddenly become more accessible and immediate than random searches through Internet engines. It also appears that once logged in this resource is free at http:evolve.elsevier.com/Waugh/anatomy so you don''t have to purchase the book. Answering the question "is this a book for private physiotherapists?" I would suggest not. It would look pretty on the bookshelf, it has excellent and clear diagrams, however, at £32 I would invest in something else. Would I recommend accessing the e-learning resources? Yes." Reviewed by: The Physio First In-Touch Journal, Date: Oct 14 "There are new sections on the implications of normal ageing on the structure and function of the body systems.

The glossary has been expanded, as have the online access, learning outcomes and normal values tables. This book is excellent value for money." Reviewed by: Nursing Standard Date: Aug 2014.