Acing anatomy- what makes muscles so hard?

araew2129, ADN · Apr 18, 2018

Just lots and lots of repetition and practice. IMO muscles were hard, harder than the other parts. Because muscles all have their own names which can get quite long (like extensor carpi radialis longus). Also they can look similar with few distinguishing figures (unlike bones), and they are superficial and deep so the layering makes it hard too. Other systems are easier to learn once you know the muscles though... like nerves, they tend to be named according to location. Anyway, just spend a lot of time in lab and find the same muscle on several charts/models at a time.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Apr 18, 2018

My absolute best advice is to stop letting people freak you out. I feel into that trap and it really set me back.

Muscles were challenging, but certainly not impossible. There's a layer of difficulty because of the naming and layering of them, but with practice you can get it.

Muscles were not the hardest unit for me.

djksjdalksjf · Apr 19, 2018

When I took A&P 1 we did each system in sections. I got a D on muscles but ended up with a low A in the class. Just make sure you try your best on everything so if you struggle with one topic you'll still end up ok.

bitter_betsy, BSN · Apr 20, 2018

Ok - so we use Pearson and pearson has this cool application that is included with the yuck stuff that you have to do. I don't know what book you use - but muscles are muscles. This is the previous edition of my book - so this link is available for free.

6: The Muscular System

At the top there is a drop down box. Use that to go to Chapter 6 and click go.

Then you are going to look on the left side for "Art labeling activities"

Now there are a series of options here. Basically its drag and drop until you remember those bad boys!!!

The super cool thing is there are lots of tests and quizes in here too that may be helpful. But there are activities like this for the bones, for the brain - pretty much every chapter. You just need to look for it. It may take a little while to match up to what you are working on - but I spend hours on this stuff every week. Maybe your book has something similar? This is free tho so take advantage of it!!! It works for A&P 1 and A&P 2 :)

Good Luck!!!

Paj14vr · Apr 20, 2018

All the other comments are helpful! I want to add that printing out the charts you are learning and sticking them things you always use; notebook, backpack, bathroom door (lol), may help memorize them. There is no getting around memorizing, but it may help if you figured out which learning style helps you the most; saying it out loud with a partner, 20 min study 5 min break (pomodoro), writing the names one by one on the model picture, going on youtube and learning it through there, etc. Good luck!

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Apr 20, 2018

Oh I just thought of something I did that helped me a ton! Touch the muscles on yourself as you memorize them.

broughden · Apr 21, 2018

They arent that hard. I aced A&P and A&P2 easily.

There are just lots of less than intelligent or lazy people who wont study taking A&P courses, so your professor is trying to scare them into either studying or dropping.

Mine did the same thing.

klp2006, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2018

By now you should have begun to figure out how you will be tested on the material, how best to prepare for your professors style of examination, and how you best prepare, yourself. There is only so much we can propose as only you know how your teacher works with the materials. As the others have posted, it is difficult but far from impossible. That was my lowest lab practical but I scored a 98 and it was my best lecture exam. Repetition, following the muscles on your own body, tell yourself what you are using when performing movements during the day (you'll also start to become amazed at how your muscles interact in your daily movements and that excitement will take away the fear of the exam.)