M. J. Fehrenbach, S. W. Herring. UK: Elsevier price £47.99; pp 336 ISBN

9781437724196

The preface of this fourth edition of Illustrated anatomy of the head and neck states that the book offers more than basic information on head and neck anatomy – a statement which I have found to be true.

This is a well-thought-out, well-formatted and well-written book. Each chapter starts with a chapter outline, learning objectives and key terms which help to focus the reader's thoughts and clarifies each chapter's 'purpose'. The body of the chapters are suitably divided into easy-to-digest subsections, aided by the clever use of highlighted terms throughout. The chapter concludes with identification exercises and review questions which encourage the reader to engage in the text in the first instance but also act as a useful self-test and revision aid.

There is good support from illustrations and photographs throughout – all of which are full colour, of high quality and in adequate abundance. My only criticism would be that more dissection photographs, especially of the soft tissues, would have strengthened the text's ability to reinforce an understanding of three-dimensional anatomy.

One of the real assets of this text is its emphasis on clinical considerations. In addition to adding to the interest of the text, it will help young readers to begin to think laterally and hopefully further an appreciation that knowing anatomy is an essential building block to becoming a good clinician. In keeping with the text's emphasis on clinical considerations, the authors have done brilliant work in revising the chapters on the temporomandibular joint, local anaesthesia anatomy and spread of infection.

In keeping with the need for dentistry to be evidence-based, the authors have included in an appendix an updated list of published articles pertaining to head and neck anatomy. This is followed by a useful appendix on the procedure for performing extra- and intra-oral examinations.

The text keeps up its momentum till the very end, concluding with 28 colour flashcards which can easily be removed to be used as an aide mémoire. If anything, more of these flashcards would have been welcomed.

In summary, this text would act as an invaluable aid for any undergraduate needing to learn head and neck anatomy, its clear and well-presented pages creating a book which is both informative and enjoyable to read. I would recommend it unreservedly.