Ask a Nurse How to Get Through Anatomy and Physiology

Succeeding in anatomy and physiology is a science in itself. Diagrams, flash cards, essays, and memorization is how I did it. It was a lot of work, but I loved those classes.

For anatomy, I was introduced to the various parts and structures of the body. Here you will have a lecture and lab. The lecture will consist of introducing, naming, and memorizing the various parts of the body - tendons, muscles, bones, etc. Make sure you know their function or purpose and the structures that compose them.

The lab for the anatomy course is hands on with the student identifying the parts of the body on models like bones or a disected cat. You will also be responsible for labeling and spelling parts correctly.

For example, your instructor may place several bones on a table for you lab exam. She will place brightly colored stickers on various parts and it will be your responsibility to identify and correctly label the part. It can be tricky, but just practice, practice.

Anatomy and physiology can be insanely difficult. You will have to study and review each and every single day. For instance, when studying the bones, I would single out the skull or the pelvis one night. I would then identify (5) parts of the skull at one time until I could clearly visualize them in my head. I would then quiz myself and do them in various orders and write them down several times.

I would do my best effort to learn twenty new parts daily. Meanwhile, reviewing the other parts I already mastered. Since, I already had a scrambled list of parts I knew, I would go through them to see which ones I could clearly visualize without hesitation.

If you have time to make flash cards with pictures, do so. It's easier than flipping through your 'post -its' on the text book. Study any chance you get. Meet with your study group often. Listen to their ideas for mastering the subject. Scour the net for sample anatomy exams. Take these tests only after you have studied well and feel like you are ready to take an exam. Write sample essays. Draw diagrams and label them.

I hope this information doesn't scare you.

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