McKenzie JC Klein RM:

Basic Concepts in Cell Biology and Histology: A Student’s Survival Guide, 427 pp, New York, McGraw-Hill, 2000 ($29.50).

Basic Concepts in Cell Biology and Histology: A Student’s Survival Guide provides a review of information typically presented in the first year of medical school. Part I of this book covers cell biology and biochemistry (e.g., intracellular signaling). Part II presents an overview of basic histology and tissue function. The authors are respected medical educators, who clearly understand the material and the needs of medical students. They have succeeded in organizing and integrating a tremendous amount of information that is traditionally taught in separate courses (biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, histology, and physiology). The text is well-written, organized, succinct, easy to read, and up-to-date. Complex concepts are presented in a style that makes learning fun. Each chapter contains major topics and short discussions. Key facts and vocabulary are conveniently displayed in boxes. This is very helpful, because if the reader knows this key point, he/she can skip the discussion and move on to the next topic. The text is supplemented with beautiful continuous tone graphics and black and white line drawings. Clinical correlations are provided to link basic science material to applications in medicine. The authors also have provided flowcharts that students can use for identifying specific tissues in the major organ systems. Branch points in these flowcharts pertain to decisions as to whether an organ has a lumen or what type of epithelium is present. In summary, Basic Concepts in Cell Biology and Histology: A Student’s Survival Guide is filled with must-know, medically relevant information. It provides a helpful bridge between the basic science disciplines. Medical students will find this book a helpful resource (survival guide) for class study and USMLE review. The authors have succeeded, and I highly recommend this book.