The Med School Resources series is a compilation of the most useful resources for studying medicine. To check out the other articles, click on the links below:
Anatomy Textbooks and Atlases
Gray’s Anatomy for Students
What is it: Gray’s Anatomy for Students has long been one of the most popular textbooks that medical students turn to for studying anatomy. Described as “thorough and yet succinct in its expression, without loss of relevant detail”, Gray’s is highly recommended by professors and veteran medical students alike. Its anatomical diagrams are probably the most widely used in medical education.
How I use it: I use Gray’s occasionally for reference or for a specific diagram or illustration. Since our school’s lecture notes contain many diagrams from Gray’s, coupled with comprehensive and well-organised content, there’s little need to refer more extensively to the textbook. I don’t think I’ve ever read an entire chapter of Gray’s.
The cost: S$97.50 for the paperback on Amazon. Free for the eBook if your school has an institutional subscription (or if you are resourceful enough).
Take a look: View the video preview and sample pages of Gray’s Anatomy for Students:
(Note: The video is not on the latest edition but the look and features of the textbook are the same)
Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy
What is it: Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy is another top choice for many medical students. It couples anatomical knowledge with clinical relevance. Its clinical ‘blue boxes’ are the equivalent of ‘In the clinic’ boxes in Gray’s. The text is very well-structured and the illustrations rival Gray’s.
How I use it: I don’t use Moore’s. The simple reason behind this is my philosophy of “minimalism” when it comes to textbooks. I have chosen Gray’s as my single anatomy textbook. That being said, Moore’s is a great choice and favoured by many medical students.
The cost: S$177.81 for the paperback on Amazon. Free for the eBook if your school has an institutional subscription (or if you are resourceful enough).
Take a look: View the video preview and sample pages of Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy:
(Note: The video is not on the latest edition but the look and features of the textbook are the same)
Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy
What is it: Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy is often the first title you’ll hear about when searching for an anatomy atlas. It brings readers “world-renowned, exquisitely clear views of the human body with a clinical perspective”. Diagrams are vibrantly coloured, detailed, and clearly labelled.
How I use it: I don’t actually use Netter’s much. Relevant images are always in our lecture materials, reworked to include only the most essential labels. Sometimes Netter’s drawings are butchered by a sea of labels. Gray’s and Google Images are often clearer and more than sufficient. Still, Netter’s is a good reference resource.
The cost: S$139.50 for the paperback on Amazon. Free for the eBook if your school has an institutional subscription (or if you are resourceful enough).
Take a look: View the video preview and sample pages of Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy:
(Note: The video is not on the latest edition but the look and features of the textbook are the same)
Which Is the Best Anatomy Textbook and Atlas?
The three texts listed above (Gray’s, Moore’s, and Netter’s) are the top choices. Other textbooks and atlases have deliberately been omitted from this article, to zero in on the best choices and absolve you of your textbook selection quandary.
You can check out another article from this series for a full list of the best textbooks for medical school. In that article, other options are also briefly considered, with a quick explanation on why they are not as preferred.
Online Resources for Learning Anatomy
AnatomyZone
What is it: AnatomyZone (YouTube) is a leading resource for simple and concise 3D anatomy tutorials, with over 200 videos and a new range of interactive 3D anatomy models.
How I use it: This is the best video resource for anatomy. Since I learn most of the content from my school’s notes, I watch AnatomyZone videos mainly as a good summary or review and for 3D visualisation of anatomical topics.
Why it’s trustworthy: Peter de Souza, the founder of AnatomyZone, is a certified NHS doctor working in the UK. He holds an MBChB degree and a BSc in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol.
The cost: I’m still amazed that there’s such an incredible free resource out there.
Take a look: View the AnatomyZone tutorial on Muscles of the Hand as an example:
TeachMeAnatomy
What is it: With over 400 topics and 1000 images, TeachMeAnatomy is a comprehensive anatomy encyclopaedia presented in a visually appealing, easy-to-read format. Each topic combines anatomical knowledge with high-yield clinical pearls. It is available both in web format and as a mobile app.
How I use it: This is one of the best reference websites for anatomy. I usually refer to their articles only when searching up a particular topic. Much more often, I use their amazing illustrations (see a few examples below—so clear and truly enhances understanding).
Why it’s trustworthy: TeachMeAnatomy is created by a team of doctors and medical students. They are widely endorsed by healthcare students and professionals.
The cost: All their articles are free! The paid TeachMeAnatomy Premium gives you access to their question bank, interactive 3D models, and other study features. (However, these can often be sourced for elsewhere for free).
Take a look: View the TeachMeAnatomy article on Muscles of the Hand as an example:
University of Michigan Medical School BlueLink
What is it: The UMich BlueLink site is a multimedia-based education resource on anatomy. The site has cadaveric images, illustrations, interactive files, practice questions, and more.
How I use it: I don’t often use this resource, since I usually find those given by my school—as well as learning with actual models during anatomy practicals—sufficient. However, the BlueLink cadaveric images are very clear and high-quality for anyone looking for such a resource.
Why it’s trustworthy: BlueLink is developed by Dr. B. Kathleen Alsup and Dr. Glenn M. Fox of the Division of Anatomical Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School. They are esteemed in anatomical education and support.
The cost: Everything on the site is completely free for educational purposes, which is the most incredible thing. Part of their goal with the project is to promote education equity.
Take a look: View the BlueLink images on the Upper Limb as an example:
Which Is the Best Online Anatomy Learning Resource?
All of the resources listed above are free, with varying costs for Premium features (which are not usually necessary). Here’s just a quick summary of how I find it best to use each of them:
- AnatomyZone: video tutorials
- TeachMeAnatomy and Kenhub: images (and articles)
- UMich BlueLink: cadaveric images
Overall, I refer to online articles sparingly, i.e. only if additional information is required to supplement the school’s lecture materials (hence the parentheses).
Digital 3D Anatomy Models and Apps
Complete Anatomy
What is it: 3D4Medical’s Complete Anatomy is “the world’s most advanced 3D anatomy platform”. On top of the 3D anatomy atlas, they have virtual dissection tools, interactive radiology images, courses and videos. There is compatibility across all desktop (Mac and Windows) and mobile (iOS and Android) devices.
How I use it: This is the anatomy software that NUS Medicine subscribes to. I don’t use it since I don’t have a subscription. Based on what I’ve seen and tried, Complete Anatomy is the most realistic and detailed 3D anatomy model out there. (Their models have a distinct look compared to others, which appear more ‘digitalised’. Not a very apt analogy but kind of like… Netter’s (Complete Anatomy) versus Gray’s (other models)?)
Why it’s trustworthy: 3D4Medical has been developing medical products since 2009. They work with a global team of academic professionals on their academic review board to ensure top medical accuracy. Their award-winning software has been featured onstage at Apple and Microsoft events, and is used daily in universities and clinical institutions around the world.
The cost: Complete Anatomy is not free. They have Student, Professional, and Institutional pricing plans and a 3-day free trial. (The Student plan is a US$34.99 annual subscription.) NUS Medicine students have institutional access to the platform.
Take a look: View the Introducing Complete Anatomy 2021 video:
Anatomy.tv
What is it: Primal Pictures’ Anatomy.tv provides 3D interactive models of human anatomy. Features include 3D Atlas, 3D Real-Time, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Anatomy PALMs (Perceptual and Adaptive Learning Modules). There are modules integrating physiology content with 3D anatomy. Cross-platform use is supported across desktop and mobile devices.
How I use it: This is the anatomy software that NTU Medicine subscribes to. I actually didn’t use it at all, although I’ve always wanted such a software. This is because the web version wasn’t easy to access, and I only figured out how to get Anatomy.tv on my iPad very recently (after my final exams). I’ll definitely be experimenting more with the platform. Needless to say, these interactive digital anatomy models are great for visualisation.
Why it’s trustworthy: Established in 1991, Primal Pictures create their detailed 3D graphic rendering of human anatomy based on real imaging data. They are trusted by over 3,000 of the world’s leading pharmaceutical, clinical research, medical and biotechnological organisations, as well as healthcare service providers.
The cost: Anatomy.tv is not free. They have 12-month subscription plans for various products (US$399 for the 3D Atlas). You can request for a free trial on their site. NTU Medicine students have institutional access to the platform.
Take a look: View the Primal Pictures Next Generation Anatomy Solutions video:
Zygote Body
What is it: Zygote Body is a free online 3D anatomy atlas. They have both male and female anatomical models, as well as a slider that allows you to go from deep to superficial, or switch certain organ systems ‘on’ or ‘off’. It is a web model and there is no app for Zygote Body.
How I use it: I don’t use it. I’ve tried it—it’s not bad, but not the easiest to navigate. If you click on one structure, the rest become translucent. It’s hard to visualise the origin and insertion of a muscle, for instance, unless you dissect away all surrounding structures, which isn’t very efficient. The free version also doesn’t allow you to select a certain region. This might be a good alternative if you have no institutional access to other models. Otherwise, the paid ones often have better visualisation and features (see below).
Why it’s trustworthy: Since 1994, 3D anatomical products from Zygote have been seen in applications, in broadcast television, films, computer games, educational software, and in medical illustrations and animations. Their product has been endorsed by their many clients, which include leading global corporations.
The cost: Zygote Body is free for its most basic version comprising complete male and female anatomy. No account is required, and it can be accessed directly on the web at the Zygote Body Anatomy Viewer. To unlock additional content and tools, you will have to pay for Premium (starting at US$4/month)
Take a look: View the Zygote Body2 Tutorial & Overview video (or you can head directly to their Anatomy Viewer since it’s free):
BioDigital Human
What is it: The BioDigital Human is a virtual model of the human body for visualising 3D human anatomy, disease and treatment. It has over 8,000 individually selectable anatomical structures, 600 health conditions in interactive 3D, and Human Studio to allow user customisation of models. As with all the other paid software listed here, it can be accessed on any desktop or mobile device.
How I use it: I don’t use this platform as I have no subscription. However, I tried their models and basic version, and found the platform user-friendly and the models well-designed.
Why it’s trustworthy: BioDigital is used at the top medical schools and education companies, as well as healthcare institutions, pharmaceutical and device companies. They claim their models to be medically accurate.
The cost: The basic versions of the BioDigital Human web and mobile apps are free once you sign up for an account. This is a better free option than Zygote Body for complete male and female anatomy. However, there is a limited number of other views, regions, and diseases that can be accessed. To unlock all models, a subscription is required—either an Individual Premium (starting at US$3.99/month) or Business plan.
Take a look: View the BioDigital Human Platform Overview video:
Visible Body
What is it: Visible Body Courseware is a web-based teaching and learning platform with 3D anatomy and physiology content. The Visible Body Web Suite includes four web-based apps: Human Anatomy Atlas, Anatomy & Physiology, Muscle Premium, and Physiology Animations.
How I use it: I don’t use Visible Body’s platform since I don’t have a subscription. However, the models look very refined, with similarly useful features to all the other paid software listed above.
Why it’s trustworthy: Visible Body has a strong commitment to medical accuracy. All their 3D models and animations are created by an in-house team of biomedical visualisation experts, based on their experience dissecting cadavers, primary visual notes, and trusted secondary sources. The models are then reviewed by an external team, selected for their particular expertise in that content area. Final models are further reviewed by a test group of expert users.
The cost: Visible Body is not free. You can subscribe to all four of their web apps (1-year subscription at US$19.99), or purchase the individual apps (US$24.99 for Human Anatomy Atlas or Physiology & Pathology; US$34.99 for Muscles & Kinesiology or Anatomy & Physiology on the App Store).
Take a look: View the Visible Body Human Anatomy Atlas 2020 video:
Other Digital 3D Anatomy Models
There are other 3D anatomy models and apps out there, all of which have very limited views and functions and require payment for the full version. These include:
| APP / SOFTWARE | AVAILABLE PLATFORMS | PRICING |
| Anatomy 3D Atlas | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$34.98 (lifetime) |
| Visual Anatomy 3D | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$9.95/month US$59.40/year US$39.99 (lifetime) |
| Anatomyka | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$41.78/year US$106.23 (5 years) |
In general, these are less widely used among medical students and institutions, and therefore not included in the main list above.
Which Is the Best Digital 3D Anatomy Model?
Since virtually all digital 3D anatomy software are not free, your choice is simple and will be decided for you by your institution’s subscription. (This would be Complete Anatomy for NUS YLL and Anatomy.tv for NTU LKC.)
If you have no institutional access, Zygote Body is a passable free option. BioDigital Human would be the best option for a free basic version that gives access to complete male and female anatomy. If you are looking for a better model and willing to purchase your own, then you can consider the others. Here’s a quick summary of the 3D anatomy models listed in this article:
| APP / SOFTWARE | AVAILABLE PLATFORMS | PRICING |
| Complete Anatomy | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$34.99/year |
| Anatomy.tv | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$399/year (for 3D Atlas) |
| Zygote Body | Web browser | Free (complete male and female anatomy) US$4.00/month (Premium) |
| BioDigital Human | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | Free (complete male and female anatomy) US$3.99/month |
| Visible Body | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | US$19.99/year (Web Suite) US$24.99 or US$34.99 (for individual apps) |
Please feel free to share your favourite resources too, especially if they aren’t listed above! Simply leave a comment below. Don’t forget to check out the other articles in the Med School Resources series too. (Disclaimer: TLM has no affiliation to any of the above products or companies. All embedded links lead directly to the official site of the stated resource.)