The human body is one of the most complex and awe-inspiring biological machines in the world. We are all composed of incredibly intricate structures and organs that operate both independently and in collaboration allowing us to walk, speak, eat, think, and engage with the world we live in. It is frankly extraordinary. It seems impossible that a science textbook can distill all that complexity into a single volume. Yet, there are countless great textbooks out there for students and interested readers.

Here’s BookScouter’s list of 10 most searched Anatomy and Physiology Textbooks.

Human Anatomy Physiology

by Elaine Marieb and Katja Hoehn

Since its first edition was published decades ago, Marieb and Hoehn’s Human Anatomy and Physiology has been a mainstay in high school and university anatomy and health sciences courses. This textbook employs a more casual conversational style and memorable analogies to share complex anatomical information in a way that is engaging to readers. Human Anatomy & Physiology also includes various self-assessment questions and clinical case studies.

Photographic Atlas for Anatomy & Physiology

by Nora Herbert, Ruth Heisler, Karen Krabbenhoft, Olga Malakhova, Jett Chinn

For the visual learners among us, Photographic Atlas for Anatomy & Physiology is a treasure of a find. This textbook is the perfect visual lab study tool to help students identify key anatomical structures on wet lab specimens. This Atlas has over 250 cadaver dissection photos and histology photomicrographs.


Anatomy and Physiology – OpenStax by Kelly A. Young (Official Print Version, hardcover, full color)

by Kelly A. Younge

OpenStax makes free digital textbooks for students. However, for those of us who study best with a high-quality hardcopy textbook, this may be the best one for you. The OpenStax textbook encompassed all the anatomy and physiology fundamentals that are covered in a standard yearlong college anatomy course. It is particularly curated to nursing and allied health students.


Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology

by Frederic Martini, Judi Nath, and Edwin Bartholomew

This textbook uses easy to follow narratives and precise visuals to help students master anatomic and physiological principles. In its most recent edition, Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology helps students understand complicated processes and has an online Mastering A&P program with additional homework, tutorial, and assessments for the ultimate exam readiness.

Hole’s Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology

by Charles Welsh

This textbook supports the basics of core anatomy and physiology knowledge with clear clinical applications. It breaks down important clinical concepts to demystify difficult concepts for students pursuing careers in allied health fields.


Human Anatomy & Physiology (Marieb, Human Anatomy & Physiology) Standalone Book

by Elaine Marieb and Katja Hoehn

Once again, Marieb makes it onto this list with her globally renowned Human Anatomy & Physiology textbook. Though this is the same textbook as the one described above in terms of content, it is referred to as a standalone text because it does not include Mastering A&P, an online anatomy and physiology study resource.

Anatomy & Physiology Made Easy: An Illustrated Study Guide for Students to Easily Learn Anatomy and Physiology

by NEDU

Like the title implies Anatomy and Physiology Made Easy simplifies complex anatomy & physiology content for easier learning. If that wasn’t enough, this textbook contains over 300 custom illustrations and comprehensive terminology for medical, nursing, and allied healthcare students.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (Masteringap)

by Erin Amerman

Before even engaging in complex anatomical content, author Erin Amerman begins this textbook with a chapter on ‘How to Succeed in your Anatomy and Physiology course’ which outfits students with study tips and tools to excel in their anatomy course. Human Anatomy & Physiology also makes excellent use of art to bring anatomical principles to life.

Loose Leaf for Hole’s Human Anatomy & Physiology

by David Shier, Jackie Butler and Ricki Lewis

Loose leaf is great for novice students who require an introduction to basic biological principles anatomy and physiology. It was written with students in mind and designed to help students grasp core concepts and theories.

Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology: For Nursing and Healthcare Students

by Ian Peate and Suzanne Evans

This textbook comprises a robust introduction to the structure and function of the human body. As one of the best-selling anatomy and physiology textbooks out there, Peate and Evans have distinguished their textbook by including relevant clinical cases that clearly demonstrate a parallel between the theory and its application in practice.
There you have it, ten of the most searched anatomy and physiology textbooks for medical, nursing, and allied health students to sink their teeth in. Studying the human body is not easy. The size of your average anatomy and physiology textbook is intimidating enough, let alone the complex content that it covers. Thankfully, the textbooks on this list are designed to help students understand the most complex concepts in human structure and function.

Many of these textbooks will be on your next anatomy course syllabus. Get your books early on BookScouter. By searching your required book ISBN on bookscouter.com, you can find a great selection of offers rated by price and buy, rent, or sell textbooks online at competitive prices. Also, check the list of websites that provide students with free textbooks online