Ever taken a child to a doctor's appointment and kept them entertained with the detailed anatomical charts in the exam room? My kids love looking at the flip charts that show all the inner workings of our amazing human bodies.

Until The Complete Portfolio of Human Anatomy and Pathology, Second Edition and The Illustrated Atlas of Human Anatomy landed in my lap for review, I was unaware that we non-medical professionals could purchase and use the same charts that doctor's offices use to show patients their anatomy (and keep restless children occupied). Even I, a non-medical gal, was instantly "wowed" by the beautiful illustrations and careful descriptions. I called my very-science-minded daughter into my office and showed her the books, and she pored over them for at least 45 minutes. Her verbal exclamations drew the attention of her siblings, who were soon peering over her shoulder and making excited comments themselves.

It seems that everything is covered on the 50 charts in The Complete Portfolio of Human Anatomy and Pathology, Second Edition: the skeletal system, the male and female muscular systems, hands, feet, wrists, ankles, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, the spine, the heart, the digestive system, the vascular system, the brain, the liver, the kidney, the eye, the ear, the teeth, the lymphatic system, the nervous system, the skin, the male and female reproductive systems, and the prostate.

Additionally, specific diseases and conditions are illustrated and defined: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, COPD, the effects of smoking, rhinitis, the common cold versus the flu, high blood pressure, the effects of hypertension, heart disease, strokes, GERD, IBS, diseases of the digestive system, diabetes, cholesterol, DVT, the effects of alcohol, CNS, glaucoma, and middle ear infections.

The Illustrated Atlas of Human Anatomy is simply the anatomy portion of The Complete Portfolio of Human Anatomy and Pathology, Second Edition, omitting the disease charts but containing the same elaborate charts on each area of the human body.

Both books are high-quality products. While The Illustrated Atlas of Human Anatomy is bound traditionally and has thick glossy pages, The Complete Portfolio of Human Anatomy and Pathology, Second Edition has a double ring spine for easy page turning and a flat layout, and its pages are thick, glossy card stock. Even with my busy household and with the use these books have seen already, I expect them to last for a very long time.

I consider both books to be at a reasonable price point, especially considering that they are an investment worth making for any anatomy study. If you have a student who is interested in a career in the medical arts or sciences, the investment could prove to be invaluable.

Product review by Kendra Fletcher, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2010