I'm currently in AP2 and I'm losing hope quick. There are 2 tests, an anatomy quiz and a final exam. On the first test I got very close to an 80 and on the 2nd one I got a 62 (60 is a pass). Statistics show that the exam score is usually the lowest, so that means statistically I would get lower than a 60. Not good. There are less than 4 weeks left until final exams and it seems like there's very little chance for me to pass now.
I'm probably weakest in memorizing all the anatomy but do OK in physiology. There is TONS of stuff to memorize though, it seems impossible. It doesn't help that the instructor is extremely boring and I learn nothing in class and must always teach myself on my own time.
I could really use some good study tips to learn the anatomy (heart,great vessels, resp, digestive and urinary)..Any tips? Has anyone overcome the odds? Any possible suggestions??
I buy lots of index cards, they're cheap, and write what you need to. You can write the body part on one side and on the other the location, a picture, or a fact, whatever you need help with. For example, write femur on one side and on the other "large upper leg bone".
Do check to see if your book has an online version with study material. I use the site for my book and it has been invaluable. There is everything from quizzes to animated interactive modules. If you are using one of the more common A & P books (Marieb,for example) it will likely be on there. Try this site to check for your book. Myaandp.com
Repetition is the key in learning anatomy. Just staring at your notes might make it tough to retain anything. I would go online and find blank pictures of anatomy and then fill them in. Writing really helps with memory. Keep doing it until you make no mistakes. Or you could use the pictures in your book and just cover up the answers with a notecard and keep repeating them until you make no mistakes. I don't think making notecards will help since you need to visualize it, except in the muscles where you could write down origin and insertion as someone else stated above.
This is kinda lame but I have a little mnemonic device for the heart that my professor once taught us. I got mixed up with the bicuspid and tricuspid valves, I could never remember which came first. The right chambers are before the left chambers so this might help: when you go shopping for clothes you first TRY (tricuspid valve) it on and then you BUY (bicuspid) it. Told you it was lame. : )
Repetition is the key in learning anatomy. Just staring at your notes might make it tough to retain anything. I would go online and find blank pictures of anatomy and then fill them in. Writing really helps with memory. Keep doing it until you make no mistakes. Or you could use the pictures in your book and just cover up the answers with a notecard and keep repeating them until you make no mistakes. I don't think making notecards will help since you need to visualize it, except in the muscles where you could write down origin and insertion as someone else stated above.
This is kinda lame but I have a little mnemonic device for the heart that my professor once taught us. I got mixed up with the bicuspid and tricuspid valves, I could never remember which came first. The right chambers are before the left chambers so this might help: when you go shopping for clothes you first TRY (tricuspid valve) it on and then you BUY (bicuspid) it. Told you it was lame. : )
thanks! and that's a great mnemonic for heart valves, I'll definitively take note of that!
I've been using cliffsnotes.com lately and I find it to be better than my lecture notes even, I'm thinking of using that as my primary study tool. Are there any good a/p videos to look for?
Also, is it writing it by hand that helps with memorization or could typing work just as well?
Great advice! I'm currently in anatomy and am having difficulty memorizing all the intricate information in the nervous system so mnemonics are a life saver. Also, the links posted by everyone are very helpful too! I like the flash cards and as practice and testing myself on how I do. I'm going to try drawing stuff out and making flashcards/writing out terms and info to remember for them. Thanks!
tattedmommy
7 Posts
I buy lots of index cards, they're cheap, and write what you need to. You can write the body part on one side and on the other the location, a picture, or a fact, whatever you need help with. For example, write femur on one side and on the other "large upper leg bone".