What's New

While the organization and learning system of Human Anatomy have remained the same, numerous improvements have been made to the sixth edition. The major highlights of the revision include:

1. Updated content. In addition to refining the existing content for clarity and correctness, the sixth edition has been updated with new information on a variety of topics. In keeping with the pace of research, new sections on the structure of RNA, RNA synthesis, and protein synthesis have been added to chapter 3. New information on the human genome project (chapter 1) and fetal tissue transplantation (chapter 4) has also been included. Chapter 8 features a new discussion on the functional classification of joints, while a new illustrated table showing the different types of fascia appears in chapter 9. New definitions or clarifications of existing explanations are provided for the following topics: myogenic muscle fibers (chapter 13); pectinate muscles (chapter 16); ventricular folds, surfactant (chapter 17); tooth surfaces, vascular supply to the pharynx (chapter 18).
2. Modified and new cadaver photos. The entire series of cadaver photos has been digitally enhanced to improve color accuracy and clarity. In addition, fifteen new photographs of dissected human cadavers were commissioned for the sixth edition of Human Anatomy. Dissected by Don Kincaid and photographed by Rebecca Gray at Ohio State University, these high quality images provide detailed views of human anatomy that allow students concrete visualization of anatomical structures and their position relative to other parts of the body. The precisely labeled cadaver photos are often paired with vibrant four-color illustrations, reinforcing the detail conveyed in the drawings with direct comparisons from actual human specimens.
3. New illustrations. Roughly 25% of the art in the sixth edition is entirely new or substantially revised. Anatomical artist Chris Creek rendered 26 new full color drawings that greatly enhance the text discussions of nerve structure and action potentials, visual and auditory pathways, circulation, and fertilization, to name a few.
4. More Clinical Practicum boxes. The Clinical Practicum feature has been greatly expanded with the addition of twenty-one new Clinical Practicum case scenarios and supporting diagnostic images. Every body system chapter now contains one or more Clinical Practicum boxes that encourage students to apply their knowledge of chapter content to hypothetical clinical situations. In-depth answers to the Clinical Practicum questions are provided in Appendix B.
5. More critical thinking and essay questions. Great care was taken to increase the amount of critical thinking and essay questions at the end of each chapter. This ever-expanding question bank challenges students to apply the knowledge gained from their reading to higher-order thinking skills. Answers to these question sets are provided in the Instructor's Manual.
6. Knowledge Check questions. The section review questions embedded throughout the narrative are now titled "Knowledge Check." These questions are numbered consecutively throughout the chapter, and answers are provided in the Instructor's Manual.
7. New design. The sixth edition has been redesigned to present the content in an easy-to-follow and pleasing framework.
8. Online Learning Center. The Online Learning Center for Human Anatomy at http://www.mhhe.com/vdg offers a wealth of resources for both students and instructors. In addition to quizzes and learning games, chapter-by chapter study and teaching aids, clinical application and case study exercises, and links to a multitude of supporting information and websites, this password protected website also provides online access to four premium interactive products: ADAM Online Anatomy, BioCourse.com, McGraw-Hill's Essential Study Partner for Anatomy and Physiology, and McGraw-Hill's Human Interactive Physiology.

   BioCourse.com delivers rich, interactive content to fortify the learning and teaching experience in the life sciences. In addition to over 10,000 animations, images, case studies, and video presentations, discussion boards and laboratory exercises foster collaboration and infinite learning and teaching opportunities.

   McGraw-Hill's Essential Study Partner for Anatomy and Physiology is a complete, interactive student study tool packed with hundreds of animations and learning activities. From quizzes to interactive diagrams, this study partner ensures that students learn core concepts.

   McGraw-Hill's Human Interactive Physiology is an engaging online learning tool that utilizes three-dimensional animations, real-world analogies, laboratory simulations, and interactive quizzes and activities to present concepts of human physiology in a supportive learning environment