What to do to prepare for Anatomy

[Lakielake]

Hi everyone, I am going to be taking Anatomy this fall, starting in August. I would like to do something to help prepare myself and get a head start for the class. I have gotten A's in bio and Chem 1A so I think I am generally prepared but would like to kind of get a background of Anatomy before I start the class. I have bought the Human Anatomy book that my class requires already, my question is, does it seem like a good idea to start reading the book now? And what else would you suggest I do to help get a head start. Thanks in advance everyone!

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to Pre-Nursing Student forum.

[conjer]

I was always the type to go over the first chapter the week before school started. This helped me because I was always one chapter ahead, and if anything happened to put me behind in my study schedule, I was actually still on track.

Most people will say to enjoy your time before you start the class, but do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Since it's anatomy, spend some time gathering resources. Anatomy is very time consuming because there's so much to memorize.

Buy an anatomy coloring book. Find additional resources on your campus. Download apps that allow you to rotate and inspect a 3D model of the human body. I spent hours in the media center on my campus because i was able to rent and study models; this was especially helpful when it came to learning the bones and muscles.

The more variety you add to your study regiment, the better. Or at least, that's what helped me anyway! The best tip i can give is to stay on top of it! Studying a little everyday will serve you well in the long run.

Best of luck.

[Green Tea, RN]

I like to read a thread like this! When I was in college, I was like you. I purchased textbooks ahead of time and started reading. Because getting into the program was competitive, I wanted to do everything I could do to reduce its stress. Especially Anatomy is mostly a matter of memorization, so exposing yourself to the muscles and bones for plenty of time will be highly beneficial. Good luck!

[Fulfilled25]

Learn some medical terminology because the terms you will be faced with are intimidating but with a little medical terminology they are less threatening. E.g. Cytology the study of cells. Also keep in mind when studying Anatomy you want to think in terms of structure.

DFL. *Design, Function, Location

Describing anatomical structures in this manner will help you master the knowledge

Design- what is the structure made out of* to answer this you go into what kinds of cells form the structure...what are the cells composed off...what are the characteristics of the components of the cells.

How does the design relate to the function? Define your function and then bring it back to how it relates to the design. E.g. What traits of the cellular components carry out these main functions of the structure.

Location-Where is the structure found, how does it relate to nearby structures? How does it interact with other organs or it's organ system?

Right now it maybe best to enjoy your time off because once you start anatomy it is a full time job studying! Honestly if you approach anatomy with the method I mentioned a DFL process you will have a map on how you should approach any anatomical structure.

Last I will stress the levels of organization are your bestie!

If you can begin to understand that each level of organization from the molecular to organism is interdependent on one another for the success of eachother this will help you immensely! The molecules in a cell form complex structures that carry out functions and form a cell. That cell becomes specialized and carries out its own function with a group of cells that forms a tissue. The tissue links with other tissue to form an organ which carries out a number of functions. I could keep going but realize if there is any problem structurally at any level function will be affected. Now when you get into anatomy you have to start with the smallest component you can define structurally and work your way up typically from the cellular level. When it comes to physiology that will be your molecular level and how the functions are carried out.

FINALLY FOCUS ON WHAT YOUR INSTRUCTOR TEACHES BECAUSE YOU CAN GET LOST IN ALL THE ANATOMY IN YOUR TEXT SO STICK TO EVERYTHING THE INSTRUCTOR MENTIONS IN LECTURE AND LAB AND DONT GO INTO ANYTHING ELSE FOR THE SAKE OF TIME AND GETTING AN A. STUDY WHAT THE INSTRUCTOR TOUCHES ON!

[RN1.618, BSN, RN]

It's great that you are prepared! í ¾í´“But I would wait until you start. My professors for both A&P's were very different and had very different requirements. I even compared to my friends who had different professors. With the exception of the basics, our requirements for exams and homework were very different. It's best to wait to see what your teacher will require.