ATLAS OF HUMAN ANATOMY - G.L. Bilich - 2014

Introduction

The training of physicians begins with The Study of The Structure OF THE human body across all hierarchical levels. Human anatomy is one of the core foundational disciplines in the medical education system. Anatomy is a branch of biology, specifically Morphology, which examines the form and structure of living organisms. It is a multifaceted discipline encompassing macroscopic, microscopic, ultramicroscopic anatomy, and X-ray anatomy, with macro-anatomy taking precedence. Modern anatomy is functional in nature, viewing anatomical structures in close correlation with their specific physiological Functions.

Anatomy is arguably one of the most challenging, if not the most difficult, sciences that a future physician must thoroughly master. As a descriptive science, anatomy relies heavily on the study of natural (cadaveric) specimens. And this is paramount! However, specimens alone are not enough for effective learning. First, students must familiarize themselves with The structure of anatomical parts by reading their descriptions, and then visualize them through high-quality, clear illustrations. Therefore, alongside textbooks, atlases are essential as they provide concise, informative diagrams and drawings based on real anatomical specimens. Only such illustrations can help unlock the intricate wisdom of The Human Body and reveal the unique structure of its apparatuses, systems, and Organs. Only after studying these drawings and diagrams should one proceed to examine actual cadaveric material.

The textbook-atlas you are beginning to read offers a detailed Description of the human body, all its structures, their functions, and vivid illustrations that allow every anatomical detail to be clearly seen. Yet, a real specimen differs from a drawing, no matter how refined. To bridge this gap, the illustrations are presented in multiple variants.

Modern anatomy makes extensive use of diagnostic imaging techniques; thus, this atlas includes digital copies of original radiographs, computed tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and angiograms. This enables students to study the structure of the living human body using state-of-the-art visualization Methods alongside cadaveric specimens.

Based on these visual Materials, one can easily conceptualize anatomical structures and memorize numerous details. To facilitate this, comprehensive summary tables are provided alongside the illustrations.

In Russia, as across the globe, Latin Anatomical Terminology serves as the primary standard, supplemented in each country by national language equivalents of the Latin terms. Since mastering medical terminology is typically difficult for students, this textbook-atlas features a unique innovation in global educational literature: on every illustration, anatomical terms are presented in two languages—Russian and Latin—greatly simplifying comprehension. Instead of cumbersome figure captions, each structure is labeled directly on the illustration itself. For the first time, the Latin terminology fully complies with the latest International Anatomical Nomenclature approved at the XV International Congress of Anatomists in Rome in 1990.

The Russian terminology has been approved as official by the 4th All-Russian Congress of Anatomists, Histologists, and Embryologists (Izhevsk, 1999). Additionally, terminology pertaining to Cytology and Histology incorporates the official list of Russian equivalents (2009).

Today, the English language is widely used globally. Because numerous international students study at Russian universities, English terms are also provided under every illustration. This represents yet another unique feature of this textbook-atlas—none of the currently available domestic or foreign publications offer terminology in three languages simultaneously (Latin, Russian, and English).

This textbook-atlas is structured According to the principles of systematic Functional Anatomy and comprises three volumes. The first volume is dedicated to The Musculoskeletal System (bones, joints, and the muscular system). The second volume covers the visceral Organ Systems: digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive (male and female), abdominal and pelvic cavities, Endocrine glands, cardiovascular, lymphoid, and lymphatic systems. The third volume introduces the reader to The Nervous System and Sensory Organs.

The textbook-atlas is designed for educators and students across all medical specialties, practicing physicians, postgraduate students, and researchers, as well as students in biological, physical education, and pedagogical fields. Furthermore, the atlas will prove invaluable to anyone interested in the structure of their own body.

The authors have endeavored to create a comprehensive atlas of human anatomy tailored to the demands of the 21st century. How successful this attempt has been, we leave for the reader to judge. The authors will gratefully accept any constructive comments and suggestions from their colleagues.

The authors consider it a pleasant duty to express their heartfelt gratitude to Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (RAMS), Prof. S.K. Ternovoy; Corresponding Member of RAMS, Prof. A.Y. Vasilyev; E.Y. Zigalova, N.M. Privezentseva, as well as A.V. Arkharov, Deputy Director of the Publishing House at the First Moscow State Medical University named after I.M. Sechenov.

The authors will always remember with deep gratitude V.A. Kryzhanovsky and artist V.V. Irikov, who made an invaluable contribution to the creation of the original artwork.