Anatomical Record
📌 General Information
*The Anatomical Record* is a peer-reviewed journal published by Wiley on behalf of the American Association for Anatomy (AAA). Founded in 1906, it focuses on morphological, developmental, and histological studies in human and comparative anatomy.
- Impact Factor (2024): ~2.0
- Frequency: Monthly
- Access: Hybrid (subscription + open access)
- Publisher: Wiley / American Association for Anatomy
🧪 Scope and Relevance
Strengths:
- Strong focus on 3D imaging, morphometry, and tissue architecture.
- Useful for research on muscle regeneration, adipose grafting, and neuroanatomical mapping.
- Includes detailed anatomical visualizations for teaching and reference.
Limitations:
- Often descriptive rather than mechanistic in nature.
- Clinical relevance is limited unless directly linked to surgical or diagnostic applications.
- Scope includes articles on non-human models or paleontology, which may dilute medical interest.
🧬 Scientific Rigor
- High-quality methodological detail, especially in imaging and histology.
- Statistical analysis is sometimes minimal or secondary to qualitative descriptions.
- Peer review process is consistent, but impact depends heavily on the article's topic and depth.
🧰 Usefulness for Neurosurgeons
Potentially useful for:
- Neuroanatomical variability in skull base, cranial nerves, or spinal anatomy.
- Preclinical models for tissue engineering or nerve repair.
- Educational resources (e.g., 3D reconstructions, anatomical atlases).
Less useful for:
- Clinical outcomes, surgical techniques, or evidence-based neurosurgical practice.
- Rapidly evolving fields like neuro-oncology or functional neurosurgery.
📉 Weaknesses
- Fragmented scope: spans from fossils to human bioprinting, lacking thematic focus.
- Language clarity varies depending on the author's origin and editorial attention.
- Open-access fees are high (~3000 USD), which limits global accessibility.
🔍 Comparison Table
| Journal | Impact Factor | Primary Focus | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| *The Anatomical Record* | ~2.0 | Histology, anatomy, 3D reconstruction | Anatomists, educators |
| *Journal of Anatomy* | ~2.5 | Classical and developmental anatomy | Academic researchers |
| *Clinical Anatomy* | ~2.4 | Applied and surgical anatomy | Surgeons, clinicians |
| *Brain Structure and Function* | ~4.0 | Neuroanatomy and functional mapping | Neuroscientists, neurologists |
🧾 Conclusion
*The Anatomical Record* is a respected but mid-tier journal in anatomical sciences. It provides value to researchers in structural biology and educators in anatomy, but it has limited direct utility for high-impact clinical neuroscience or evidence-driven neurosurgery.