If you have zero knowledge about anatomy and want to learn or gift someone an anatomy book, then we believe we have the solution for you. With the end number of books on the market, it can be hard to choose which the right one for you is.

We believe our list will help you make that decision a bit easier. The list was comprised on the basis of the book’s content, its relevance, last update to the edition and to what type it caters to. There might be one or two books that are specifically for a niche but the rest will cater to all.

Hope you enjoy reading the rest of the article while also gathering some valuable information.

1. Atlas of Human Anatomy

The Atlas of Human Anatomy brings you world-renowned, exquisitely clear views of the human body with a clinical perspective. In addition to the famous work of Dr Frank Netter, you’ll also find nearly 100 paintings by Dr Carlos A. G. Machado, one of today’s foremost medical illustrators. Together, these two uniquely talented physician-artists highlight the most clinically relevant views of the human body. In addition, more than 50 carefully selected radiologic images help bridge illustrated anatomy to living anatomy as seen in everyday practice.

The book includes region-by-region coverage, including muscle table appendices at the end of each section. Large, clear illustrations with comprehensive labels not only of major structures but also of those with important relationships.

Comparing the 7th edition of the book, it includes-:

1. New overview section.
2. More than 25 new illustrations by Dr Machado.
3. New Clinical Tables at the end of each regional section.
4. More than 50 new radiologic images.
5. Updated terminology.

2. Gray’s Anatomy for Students

Gray’s Anatomy for students is easy to read, superbly illustrated and clinically relevant which ends up being medical students’ go-to text for essential information in human anatomy. This fully revised volume focuses on the core information students need to know, in an easy-access format and with additional multimedia tools that facilitate effective study and mastery of the material.

A team of expert authors and global advisors have shared their extensive teaching and clinical experience to help students understand the practical applications of anatomical concepts through unique coverage of surface anatomy, correlative diagnostic images, and clinical case studies. The book presents anatomy by body region and now offers bonus eBook chapters for each major body system to facilitate learning from a different perspective.

The book also offers new schematic drawings for key structures and topics in every chapter, providing an additional, simplified approach to introduce each topic―ideal for quick initial understanding and as a guide for students’ own anatomy drawings.

When compared to the other books on this list, Gray’s guide to anatomy includes-:

1. New and improved online materials.
2. Provides fully revised and updated clinical content.
3. Enables readers to quickly review the basic concepts from each chapter.
4. Includes an Enhanced eBook version with purchase.

3. Definitive Visual Guide to the Human Body

The Complete Human Body textbook features 3D generated illustrations and medical imaging that provide a close look at the body’s forms and functions in physiology and anatomy, showing how the body works and its amazing systems and abilities. To understand modern human bodies, this book first looks at our ancestors and how the evolution of Homo-Sapiens shaped our anatomy. Learn the evolution and the functions of DNA. Read about the things you can only see with microscopes and other special imaging machines, like cell structure, motor pathways in the brain and the inner iris.

The physiology of the human body is written in clarifying detail which makes learning about the organs and systems that operate within, like the cardiovascular, digestive, and neural systems much easier. See the elegant anatomy and read how the skeleton, muscles, and ligaments operate to allow movement. This second edition includes more detail on the joints in the hands and feet.

This visual guide uses remarkable illustrations and diagrams to peek inside the complex and astounding human body. It has been written in an easy-to-follow format, with straightforward explanations to give the best overview of things.

When compared to other books on this list, this book features-;

1. The Integrated Body
2. Anatomy
3. How the Body Works
4. Life Cycles
5. Diseases and Disorders
6. Study of Human Body since Ancestral Age

4. Anatomy & Physiology for Dummies

The human body and all its various structures and functions is a realm of awe-inspiring complexity and countless wonders. The thing that we call life can be a thing of breathtaking beauty and humbling perfection.

Anatomy & Physiology for Dummies combines anatomical terminology and function so you learn not only names and terms but also gain an understanding of how the human body works.

When compared to other books, the understanding of anatomy and physiology offers-:

1. Anatomical structures from head to toe
2. Body’s systems and how they interact to keep us alive
3. The structures and systems function in sickness and health
4. Written in plain easy to understand the text and packed with beautiful illustrations

5. Functional Training Anatomy

In Functional Training Anatomy, noted strength and conditioning specialists cut through the clutter and misconceptions about functional training and cover all aspects of how to build a purposeful, effective, and efficient program that provides the strength, stability and mobility you need to support your body in life and in sports.

The book begins each section with a clear definition of what functional training entails, the importance of mobility training and its impact on movement quality, performance, and injury reduction. Use the warm-up activities to prepare for high-intensity activities.

See the inner workings of each of the exercises with superb full-colour illustrations that show the primary and secondary muscles and connective tissue being used. The detailed instructions for these exercises ensure you execute each one correctly and safely. The Functional Focus element shows how the exercises translate to specific activities.

Functional Training Anatomy incorporates traditional and nontraditional exercises and mobility drills that will help you increase functional strength and reduce injury so your body is prepared to support the demands of athletic performance and daily living.

When compared to other books on this list, things that stand out in Functional Training Anatomy are-:

1. Warm-up exercises
2. Functional Focus boxes
3. Step by step instructions on how to use equipment
4. Mobility Drills

6. Illustrated Guide to the Human Body

The Human Body textbook is a concise guide to the structure, functions, and disorders of the body. Using full-colour, highly detailed illustrations and clear, accessible language, this book is a fascinating introduction to how the body works and what may go wrong. The anatomy of the Human Body begins with a medical atlas that shows how the parts of the body fit together. Each individual body system — such as the skeletal and digestive systems — is then fully illustrated and explained in detail.

The book features a compelling section on the human life cycle examining the changes in the body from conception to old age. Some of the most common disorders are described and illustrated, system by system, with explanations of exactly what goes wrong and why. Medical conditions covered include infections, injuries, and cancer. Finally, there is a concise glossary of medical terms.

When compared to the rest of the books, here’s what stands out in the Guide to the Human anatomy-:

1. Changes in the body due to old age
2. Disorders highlighted with explanations
3. A detailed description of the skeletal and digestive system
4. Easy to understand introductions

7. Anatomy Trains

Get a multi-dimensional understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy with Anatomy Trains. This one-of-a-kind title continues to centre on the application of anatomy training across a variety of clinical assessment and treatment approaches ― demonstrating how painful problems in one area of the body can be linked to a “silent area” away from the problem, and ultimately giving rise to new treatment strategies.

This edition has been fully updated with the latest evidence-based research and includes new coverage of anatomy training in motion using Pilates-evolved movement and the updated fascial compendium on elements, properties, neurology, and origins of the fascial system.

It also offers a new, larger library of videos, including animations and webinars with the author. In all, this unique book is an essential read for physical therapists, massage therapists, yoga instructors, manual therapists, athletic and personal trainers, dance instructors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and any professional working in the field of movement.

When compared to other books on this list, Anatomy Trains features-:

1. Relevant theory descriptions
2. Intuitive content organization
3. The section on myofascial force transmission in gait dynamics
4. New photos and images of fascial tissues, adhesions, and layers.
5. Revised and expanded content reflecting the most up-to-date research.
6. A new, larger library of videos includes animations and webinars with the author.
7. New Anatomy Trains in Motion section by guest author Karin Gurtner uses Pilates-evolved movement
8. New addition: Anatomy Trains in Quadrupeds (horses and dogs).