The Most Essential Anatomy and Physiology to Know?

Published

I have gotten A's in both of my A&P classes and plan to start nursing school in fall 2018. But I want to make sure I don't forget any of the important stuff I've learned because I know how important A&P is. However, I do realize some of the material is more relevant to nursing than others. So what are the most important body systems to know before nursing school? What anatomy and physiology is going to help me the most entering nursing school? In other words, if you could go back to before you started nursing school (knowing what you know now) and study/review your A&P, what specifically would you go over again? Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Well personally, I wouldn't go over anything. Today is today. All future nursing classes will build on your current knowledge. If you are focusing on hypertension and coronary artery disease, you'll most definitely get another dose of cardiac a&p whether in class or in your required reading. It all builds. But if you really want something to do then I would probably do cardiac, respiratory, and renal. And much more heavy on the physiology than the anatomy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Best thing to do right now is to relax and enjoy as much downtime as you can before you start the program. But, if you are one of those who needs to do something to feel prepared, get on YouTube. Watch fluid and electrolyte videos, really knowing the difference between the types of fluids and imbalances will help you tremendously.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Agreed with what everyone said above, cardio and respiratory are going to be your best friends. Also renal and liver are important because drugs will be eliminated through one of those two systems/ many diseases are either caused by or will impact the kidneys and liver. Along with kidneys, learn how body fluid is regulated for sure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm about to finish my first semester for my BSN, and the topics form A&P that has probably helped me out the most are...

-Renin/Angiotensin system (used alot in Pharm)

-How the heart works (like the valves, veins vs arteries, the direction of the blood flow)

-Lungs (difference between co2/O2, hypoventilation/hyperventiliation)

-the 12 cranial nerves and what each is responsible for in terms of sensory stuff like audio, visual, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion