Essential Anatomy 3

The time of studying the human body by looking at dusty old bones and pickled organs has long passed. Even anatomy books are no longer as efficient since they are expensive, while trying to learn just looking at 2D images just doesn't cut it anymore.

That is where a software solution such as Essential Anatomy 3 comes in handy. A cutting edge 3D graphics engine powers a highly-detailed anatomical model and delivers outstanding quality graphics. All this to offer an incredibly accurate and state-of-the-art learning experience for medical students and average users alike.

Once you open the application, you'll notice that the main menu gives you a general overview of the most basic anatomical component: the human skeleton. The tabs next to it lets you add the rest of the details over it. One nice feature is the possibility to add the layers of muscle systematically so that those which are underlying are not hidden from view.

All other major body systems are also covered by Essential Anatomy 3: connective tissue, the circulatory system, the brain along with the rest of the nervous system, the digestive, respiratory and urinary systems and even the lymphatic systems.

If you want to learn exactly about each body part, there are two ways to do so: either manually click the body part or, if you have no idea where its located, browse for it using the "Search" function.

When you click the body part, it highlights it for you and you can press the "Information" button to see precise data regarding that particular body part.  You can find out how it is connected, what is its role, how does it interact with other body parts, etc. What impresses is that the tool supports libraries even for the smallest veins in the body.

The body part that interests you can be isolated for an improved general overview, hidden in case it blocks your view of other anatomical elements, "faded" for a precise view of how its integrated with the rest of the body, etc. Worth mentioning is that Essential Anatomy 3 has a built-in audio feature that lets you hear how that particular body part is pronounced correctly.

Another neat aspect is that if you need to learn about how that particular body part is grouped, select it, and look to your upper left, you will see all the preceding subsystems and systems it belongs to. For example how the left arm is part or the appendicular system, which in turn a part of the skeleton system, similar to the Windows address bar.

For a better learning experience, you can bookmark anatomical regions of interest for quick future references, and you even have a built-in quiz system. Select what anatomy part you want to be tested from, and you will start a standard 12-question, multiple answer quiz that is timed. Essential Anatomy 3 keeps track of all your scores so that it can motivate you to continuously improve yourself.

All aspects considered, Essential Anatomy 3 can easily be recommended to any medical student or professional who is looking for a more modern educational platform. It boasts an incredible 3D engine which powers an impressively detailed model of the human body, many ways through which you can interact with it, and a comprehensive library that will surely expand what knowledge you already have regarding the human anatomy.