Anatomy classes - advice

[orangeman25]

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I'm currently taking two anatomy classes (comparative anatomy and brain/neuro anatomy). I was wondering if anyone that has taken such classes has any tips on how to study for them. I'm not always the best when it comes to memorizing because I like to understand and think about concepts more.

I'm also finding it really hard to visualize brain anatomy. Does anyone know of any good websites or iPhone/Mac applications for this?

Thanks

 

[Lya]

I would first ask your TA or professor for their advice on extra materials. They might have some websites they have in mind, where their materials are directly pertinent to the classes.

Repetitions and active recall might be key. I haven't taken anatomy before, but this is what I did to memorize in my organic chem. With some blank diagrams in front of you, constantly recall what certain parts are or do, as though you are filling a blank in a sentence.

In allo forum, there should be a collection of websites helpful for anatomy and other courses, but I would first ask your TA and professor first.

 

[SnakeOilForSale]

I took regular old anatomy. The things that worked for me were using a bunch of mnemonics, associating names with silly things or names that sound like the structures so it sticks, and relating a function of the part to the name so it's not just tedious name-recall and has some "understanding" to it.

Also, just trying to reason out the names and what they stand for sometimes gives a clue to their location and function, as does brushing up on some greek and latin medical pre/suffixes.

 

[mehc012]

Anki. All you need for anatomy.

 

[orangeman25]

Anki. All you need for anatomy.

Ah yes! I've heard about Anki. I think I'm going to download it tonight (it's free right?) and start using it. Would you say it's easy to use?

 

[mehc012]

Ah yes! I've heard about Anki. I think I'm going to download it tonight (it's free right?) and start using it. Would you say it's easy to use?

I'd say it's like Excel: the most basic aspects are pretty easy to use and will get you going. However, once you figure out how to TRULY use all it has to offer (which is a bit more of an endeavor), you realize that you were actually doing it the hard way all along. Once you hit that point, you start doing things that would not be 'easy' out of the box, but are pretty powerful in the long run. It's a gradual thing.

 

[orangeman25]

I'd say it's like Excel: the most basic aspects are pretty easy to use and will get you going. However, once you figure out how to TRULY use all it has to offer (which is a bit more of an endeavor), you realize that you were actually doing it the hard way all along. Once you hit that point, you start doing things that would not be 'easy' out of the box, but are pretty powerful in the long run. It's a gradual thing.

Okay. Thank you for all the info - much appreciated! Final question: does Anki work well with other science classes too?

 

[GopherMD]

Okay. Thank you for all the info - much appreciated! Final question: does Anki work well with other science classes too?

I'm an MS1 and most of my studying in medical school is done through Anki. Wonderful tool.

 

[mehc012]

Okay. Thank you for all the info - much appreciated! Final question: does Anki work well with other science classes too?

I have found it useful thus far in Anatomy (gold), Physio, Physics, Neuroscience, and Biochem. the fuzzier the class the harder to make a good, structured deck for yourself.
Anatomy I studied ONLY with Anki.

The thing is, studying with flashcards takes a certain amount of practice in of itself. Anatomy is a great one to start with because it's so structured itself (it's very easy to see how to tag each note). My goal during my postbacc was not only to pull a 4.0, but also to learn HOW to effectively use Anki to study. The reason I picked Anki is because it allows me to take a large volume of information, sort through it, cram for an immediate deadline, and then systematically put it into long-term retention. That seemed like the sort of technique I wanted for med school. Don't expect Anki studying to mesh perfectly with your current strategy and then be the bestest thing ever right from the start...it really does take time to figure out how you best integrate Anki as a study tool. It is, however, totally worth it.

 

[Snowdon48]

3D Visual Bodies app is amazing but I think it's only for iPad. It is mainly responsible for getting me through MS1 anatomy.

 

[mehc012]

If you have a PC, google "Anatomy and Physiology Revealed". You will probably find a gem if you internet well enough...

 

[GopherMD]

Essential Anatomy 3. Available for both iPad and Mac.

 

[orangeman25]

Just wanted to tell you all that I've been using Anki for my Neuroanatomy and Anatomy classes - it's been a huge help! I've started to use audio and images from lecture PPTs in my flashcards, and have found myself relying on Anki more and more. The one problem I have though is after I finish studying a deck, I don't know how to re-study those cards without having to wait till the cards are "due." Anyone know how to get around that?

 

[mehc012]

Just wanted to tell you all that I've been using Anki for my Neuroanatomy and Anatomy classes - it's been a huge help! I've started to use audio and images from lecture PPTs in my flashcards, and have found myself relying on Anki more and more. The one problem I have though is after I finish studying a deck, I don't know how to re-study those cards without having to wait till the cards are "due." Anyone know how to get around that?

Open the deck (it will say no cards due) and then hit 'Custom Study' at the bottom. There are TONS of choices for how you handle things then. Personally, I always start by increasing the review or new count for that day.