The Anatomical Record: Discoveries Through Integrative Anatomy is an official publication of the American Association of Anatomists whose purpose is to rapidly publish new discoveries in the morphological aspects of molecular, cellular, systems, and evolutionary biology. Emphasis will focus upon major new findings in the anatomical consequences of gene disruption, activation, or over expression upon cell, tissue, or organ architecture. The journal recognizes the importance of descriptive studies in contemporary research, particularly when framed in the context of experimental models or questions. An important priority will be those discoveries and new advances made through the use of imaging modalities that range from those that image real-time signalling processes to ones that image protein or gene expression in individual cells, tissues, or whole organisms.

Papers will be accepted dealing with functional morphology of any vertebrate organ system including those with a developmental, comparative, or evolutionary theme. With respect to developmental biology, our sister journal-- Developmental Dynamics --focuses on biochemical and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate and invertebrate development. Our area of coverage will be directed primarily to the organ or system level where descriptive studies of normal and abnormal development may become an important consideration in characterizing phenotypes. In addition, timely reviews of important topics related to Anatomy and its subdisciplines will be regularly included. The criteria of acceptance of all papers are the quality of the research, its originality and significance to our readership.

The abstracts and proceedings of the annual meeting of the American Association of Anatomists is also published in The Anatomical Record . No paper that has appeared previously will be accepted nor will simultaneous publication elsewhere be allowed.