how should i prepare for anatomy on step 1? is reading through and memorizing a high yield book (I have USMLE road map to gross anatomy) worth it?
how much anatomy is actually on step 1? is it even enough to warrant studying a review book besides first aid? thanks
- Anatomy: all neuro, with questions hinging on the ability to identify neurological structures on MRI (identify structure knocked out in someone who cant store new memories), and conceptual questions (MRI shows lesion in Wernickes region of temporal lobe -> degeneration of medial geniculate body). Outside of neuro, I dont recall any pure anatomy questions; the ones I do recall tied into embryo or path.
There are lots of write-ups breaking down the material tested by subject here.
This was my experience:
Quite frankly, I've found that Underground Clinical Vignettes - Anatomy is exceptional. It takes about 5 hours to read (~10 to appreciate) and covers the CLINICALLY RELEVANT anatomy. I would know this book + FA + anything encountered in the QBanks. I would not waste your time with Kaplan notes anatomy, BRS Anatomy or USMLE World Map. You are less likely to be tested on minutiae and more likely to be assessed on clinical application (e.g. loss of sensation would occur WHERE if an injury occurs HERE, not "what is the insertion point of this muscle?" or "is this muscle strap-like?"). The QBank questions give you a good idea of the anatomy that will show up on the exam. You might actually find it's your strong point after doing QBank questions and you hadn't realized it before. The anatomy on the step isn't the same as that when being quizzed pedantically in anatomy lab.
~Phloston
I actually got at least two minutiae questions in anatomy on my exam (both of which I think I got wrong) involving some weird pelvic anatomy. It was kind of near the end of the exam so what they were about is something of a blur.
Not saying that it's likely, but it does happen.