5 Tips On How To Study Anatomy Effectively

As a newbie medical student or a premedical student you always need new inspiration to study. And especially to study better. Here are the tips of an avid anatomy learner (and teaching assistant) on how to study anatomy in the 21st Century:

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1 SOME PRINCIPLES NEVER CHANGE: GET YOURSELF AN ANATOMY ATLAS
Although we live in the age of digital media, the best investment you can make in studying for your anatomy class and in finding a study companion through medical school is to buy a paperback anatomy atlas. The atlas can be used (unlike other medical subjects, most anatomy structures have not changed through time ) and you will thank yourself for having one also when you study for other clinical subjects!


2 PUT ATTENTION INTO DETAIL - DETAILS MATTER IN ANATOMY!
Unlike other subjects where you are encouraged mostly to use matter comprehension, there is a lot of memorisation involved in anatomy. Do not make the mistake of learning too superficially in the beginning. Learn every detail of the organ and learn it by heart. You cannot google it during rounds. This is your basis.

3 LEARN TO USE MNEMONICS FOR MEMORIZATION
Anatomic structures represented in an unfamiliar language can be difficult to memorize. Use mnemonics, which are sentences to remember the structure names in order to better recall anatomic structures. Those are sentences such as:



4 GET YOURSELF A STUDY BUDDY OR STUDY GROUP
It is always easier to find motivation to study with someone also studying. But the real advantage of this method is the enhanced motivation. By naming and explaining anatomy out loud to your group you will memorize it much better and in a shorter timeframe.


5 DO NOT JUST MEMORIZE BUT ALSO VISUALIZE FUNCITION
Anatomy is the basis of your medical practice. You cannot treat it, if you cannot find it! Therefore do not only learn it by heart but also learn how to visualize it. Tools such as online virtual anatomy bodies or virtual reality use for studying anatomy will help you to also understand anatomy better in space.