Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body
http://www.bartleby.com/107/
The online version of ‘the bible’ of anatomy. Very much in the format of the book, the home page consists of a chapter list and is simple to use. Topics can also be quickly accessed via the subject index and the site has a useful and reliable search engine. The illustrations are based on the original engravings and, although limited, are enlargeable and often in colour. As an online reference, this site is unsurpassed in terms of detail, although many will find the blocks of text dry and intimidating.***
Instant Anatomy
http://www.instantanatomy.com/
Designed by a current MRCS examiner, this site is specifically designed for examination preparation. The site is easy to navigate and consists of colourful and simple notes and illustrations. Although most of the contents including some self-test questions are accessible for free, further questions and higher resolution diagrams must be purchased on the CD-ROM advertised on the site. Nevertheless, this is still a superb site and ideal for those preparing for MRCS and similar examinations. This is definitely a website to tell your students and juniors about.****
Net anatomy
http://www.netanatomy.com/
This American website aimed at medical students and health professionals, covers radiographic, cross sectional and gross anatomy. The site is simple to navigate with good quality images and the format is consistent throughout the different sections. The comprehensive radiographic anatomy section includes plain films, contrast studies, CT and MRI scans. The cross sectional and gross anatomy sections contain photographs of organs and various cadaveric sections. All pictures are meticulously labelled and there is a useful ‘test yourself’ option. There are also useful revision notes on various topics downloadable in PDF for easy printing. Although some sections are still under construction, this site still offers an excellent library of cadaveric and radiological images and provides a useful resource for exam preparation or general revision.****
Anatomy TV
http://www.anatomy.tv/default.aspx
This easy-to-use site enables detailed inspection of any system in any part of the body in three dimensions. All images are of excellent quality. Orientations and angles can be altered and layers can be added or removed to understand anatomical relationships fully. This site also includes comprehensive text descriptions in every section and questions to test understanding. This is without question the best anatomy site encountered in this review, but unfortunately comes at a price. This site used to be free using an Athens password but was sadly withdrawn by NeLH for reasons of cost effectiveness. A 24-hour pass is freely available, although full access costs £179 a year for the site or £599 for the CD-ROM set.*****
Human Anatomy Online
http://www.innerbody.com
This site is designed to enable students and the general public to learn about the human body in a fun and interactive way. Each system is described using diagrams with further information available by clicking on the relevant part of the image. Accompanying animations and tutorials are also available for some topics. All systems are covered, although the information is brief and concise. We also had some difficulty viewing images on some hospital computers. A useful resource for non-healthcare professionals.**
Anatomy for beginners
http://www.channel4.com/science/microsites/A/anatomy/
This site accompanies the controversial television series Anatomy for Beginners. Only a simple overview of functional anatomy is provided covering movement, circulation, digestion and reproduction. Numerous photographs from public anatomy dissections are included. This is clearly aimed at a non-medical audience; therefore, the scientific benefit is limited.*
BBC The Human Body
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/body/
This is a useful interactive site aimed at the general public. The main systems are briefly covered with helpful diagrams, interactive zones and useful facts and figures. This may be a good resource for patients, but the lack of detail limits its benefit for surgeons.**