Memorizing the anatomical relations of head and neck structures

[Learner101]

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Hi.

I am usually very comfortable with anatomy (often among the rankers of the class), but the part where I get really confused is the various relations of important structures - especially the head and neck region.

What passes superficial and then deep, medial, lateral of the Thyroid, or salivary glands or the muscles of mastication. It is easy to do individually, but when learning each one of them, it all becomes a jumbled mess.

Is there a simpler way to memorize the relations? I tried looking for mnemonics but didn't find any.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Law2Doc]

There are coloring books out there that some people find helpful. there are online anatomy flashcards out there too that you can quiz yourself on structures until you get them. I don't know that there's a better way other than repetition though -- mnemonics can help you remember what's there but won't get you to the spatial relationships. Not really something great to worry bout as a premed though IMHO.

 

[lovesfall]

For spatial relationships, the only thing that ever helped me was drawing it out. But once I could do that it stuck pretty well.

 

[gyngyn]

Don't do this as a pre-med! Unless the alternative is illegal or unethical...

 

[NeuResurgens]

Is this required for an undergrad anatomy course? If not, I agree with gyngyn.

 

[whitemagic]

Genuinely curious, whats wrong with doing it as a pre-med? I can't see how wanting to educate yourself could be detrimental in any sense.

 

[gyngyn]

Is this required for an undergrad anatomy course? If not, I agree with gyngyn.

You are correct. He is taking a course...
I will modify my admonition: "Do not pre-study anatomy."
There are so many things you will never know to explore if you don't start now.
We will teach you all the anatomy you need to know (and so much more!) in due course.

 

[neusu]

This same problem confused me for the longest time. I found looking at things in cross section helped with the relationships. After that, practice practice practice.