The Handy Anatomy Answer Book

The Handy Answer Book

by James E. Bobick, Naomi Balaban

From basic biology and the lymphatic system to human growth and development, this comprehensive reference—organized by systems of the body—makes the sometimes perplexing nature of anatomy understandable through an engaging question-and-answer format. In addition to the science itself, the people and history behind anatomy are discussed. More than 1,200 questions are answered, including Do identical twins have the same fingerprints? What are the primary sensations of taste? What is the integumentary system? and How many bones are in the human body?

Genres: Science, Medical, Reference, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2008

Reviews

[American Mensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does studying the intestines give you indigestion? Does studying the brain cause you pain? Do you feel sick trying to understand the immune system? Well fear not, The Handy Anatomy Answer Book is the 370 page cure for all that ails you! This book reads like a conversation with your biology teacher, with you asking the questions and the teacher giving the answers. For example, “What are spinal cord tracts?” To which the book answers: “Tracts are bundles of axons that are relatively uniform with respect to diameter, myelination, and conduction speed.” The questions vary in complexity, from something as simple as “How fast do eyebrows grow?” to more complicated questions like, “How many muscles are used in swallowing?” The answers are provided in a neat and concise manner that is easy to understand and remember. Also, the book has a multitude of color images, anatomical diagrams, and charts to assist with visualizing some topics. The questions in the book are not all about humans, with questions ranging from the existence of allergies in animals to the unusual nature of shark teeth. The book has sections for all of the primary body systems, a section on the history of Anatomy as well as its organization levels and a section on the effects of modern medical technology. I would recommend that the reader should be at least 10 years old since I feel the information would be too complex for anyone younger. In addition, there are anatomical images and explanations of both the male and female reproductive system and growth cycle of the fetus. I think this book has reached a nice equilibrium between substantial information and range of questions, while simultaneously being an easy read for anyone who desires answers to their biology questions. Whether you are looking for answers about bovine digestion, Hasiomoto’s disease, vaccination, osteoarthritis, or tropomyosin this book probably has the answer you seek! With this in mind, my nervous system and I give this book 5 anatomically correct stars!
Reviewed by Zander H., age 15, Gulf Coast Mensa

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty dry but good if you just want to learn a little more about anatomy. I kind of wish I had gone for an actual textbook though. Otherwise, interesting.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Handy Anatomy Answer Book Naomi E. Balaban and James E. Bobbick (Visible Ink Press 2008) (611) is an easy-to-comprehend reference guide to human anatomy and physiology written in question and answer style. This is part of the "Smart Reference" series. Here are three examples of the types of trivia contained in this volume: the two largest organs are the skin and the liver; the average person swallows 2400 times per day; and an eruction is a burp. Where else can you find information like this? My rating: 7/10, finished 2/1/14.

[melora warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is quite an interesting read as it covers just about everything anatomy related. My only real qualm about the book is the question and answer format. The book is divided into sections based on the body systems, but the q&a is a bit scattered. Maybe that's just be, but I feel it could have been a bit more organized. BUT, I have learned quite a few interesting tidbits about the human body having read this, so I gave it 3 stars.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The copy of this book I got from my library seems to have been marinated in tobacco smoke - it literally stings my eyes to read it. Still, I soldiered through, because it is that useful, useful enough I might consider purchasing a copy (not really - I don't buy books). I like the Q&A format, though realistically a lot of these are questions no one would ever actually ask outside of an anatomy test. Good solid reference.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book covered a lot of anatomy. I thought the questions chosen for each section/system were a bit odd. Maybe the author knew someone that had that particular disease or dysfunction? I am not sure what audience would appreciate the questions. The diagrams and general information regarding each system were very good and accurate though.(full disclosure-I am an RN)