Includes appendix and index

This book is intended to be thorough enough to give background for courses that do not require prerequisites while remaining succinct enough not to confuse or overwhelm students. The Tate work includes realistic drawings and superb pictures, as well as clear, straightforward language and an emphasis on clinical information, to assist students in developing a strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology topics. Explanations provide exactly the correct amount of detail, using one example rather than two or three. Some authors employ multiple complicated figures to demonstrate a variety of themes; Tate employs less, but more effective, art.