
DK The Human Body

The definitive guide to the body that shows off the power of the iPad
It is not only the sheer scale of information contained in this app that is impressive; the images that accompany each description of a system within the body are incredibly detailed and engaging to look at too.
DK was clearly looking to enhance its reputation as the supplier of the definitive reference books, and this app more than does this. There are 12 different systems of the body to choose from, with each system containing a seemingly endless amount of detail through annotated diagrams, sub-menus and even videos. We strongly recommend the video breakdown of how the heart pumps blood, as it will have you clutching at your chest to see if you can feel the different processes occurring.
The balance of the app is also impressive. Given the amount of information, and the level of detail needed to make it digestible, DK does a great job of making everything accessible, no matter your reasons for exploring the app, and therefore the human body. Whether you’re a doctor, an eager student or just an intrigued browser, you’ll be able to enjoy and understand the images and text, which is weighted perfectly with enough technical terms to keep you interested, but not so much that you’ll feel you need a PhD to read it all. All the text is helped by the quality of the illustrations.
There are more than 270 images, AND each one was specially designed for the iPad. Every one is annotated with extensive detail to cover every inch of the body. The 12 systems on offer in The Human Body do something similar, breaking down all the functions of the body into categories that cover everything from the skeleton to the nervous system and the reproductive system.
Navigation was obviously something heavily considered by the developers, as it’s kept as straightforward as possible. Selecting a system from the main menu will see you presented with a full body overview of every nerve, muscle and hair that’s part of that system. From here, you have several options should you wish to delve deeper into this particular area of the body’s functions. Each of these main diagrams comes with a text description, which drops down and can be easily scrolled through.
Also, you can make use of each system’s sub-menu, which breaks it down further into a swipe-through selection with an image to represent it. You’ll always have a clear idea what each section will be covering. This is another of the app’s strengths; it maintains a very high level of clarity through even the most supposedly difficult-to explain-areas, such as the nervous system and the brain. Of course, you have the images to fall back on if the text starts to lose you, and that’s why this is so effective as a reference guide.
DK has designed and balanced both the text and images perfectly, so you never get lost in the information. As well as the sub-menus, there is also a quick navigation tool called System Select, which if tapped allows you to swiftly move from one body system to another without needing to retrace your steps back through what you’re currently viewing. Overall then, DK The Human Body is an incredible encyclopaedia for anyone interested in anatomy, whether it’s a casual interest or part of your career, you will find this app can help, educate and engage you.

A great reference app, full of detail without compromising on style.
Screenshots
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Ian
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Ian McMonagle
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