Learning anatomy can be one of the most daunting challenges within the medical school curriculum, and I must admit, it certainly lives up to its reputation. Rarely does anything seem straightforward in the realm of anatomy. It’s a topic of complexities, with constant curveballs disrupting the patterns you try to recognise while learning structures. Don’t even get me started on the names of these different muscles, nerves and veins. If you say them in a particular order, your furniture might just start floating. The only real way to grasp the concepts within anatomy is with relentless repetition to drill the names of each muscle, nerve, and vessel into your brain. It’s a process that can feel painstakingly monotonous and at times, seemingly impossible. These are some resources that helped me ace my anatomy exams, and hopefully, they can help you ace yours too.
- Complete anatomy
The first resource that I recommend is what I’d call the ultimate guide. It’s so comprehensive that it covers pretty much everything you need to know about the names and functions of every muscle, bone, nerve, and vessel in the body. This app not only makes learning anatomy easier but also interactive and almost, dare I say it, enjoyable. However, quality comes at a cost, priced at 35 pounds a year. While this might seem steep for an online app, especially with cheaper options on the market, I put my trust in it and couldn’t recommend it enough. My suggestion is to give it a try during their 3-day free trial. The sooner you take advantage of it, the better. My only regret is not utilizing this resource right from the start.
- Netter’s anatomy flash cards
Flashcards are an invaluable study tool across various subjects, and I’ve relied on them throughout my degree. However, crafting anatomy flashcards from scratch can be a real pain. My suggestion is to invest in some pre-made ones, which typically include detailed diagrams showcasing structures from various perspectives. Specifically, I recommend Netter’s anatomy flash cards. They boast excellent quality and content, and they even offer an electronic version making them convenient to transport or study with friends. Below, you’ll find a link to the exact cards that I used!
Flashcards – https://amzn.to/49Y0ezD
- Netter’s colouring book
This particular item might come across as a novelty at first glance, but it actually serves as a helpful resource in making anatomy slightly more bearable. Essentially, it’s a book filled with anatomical diagrams without colour, allowing you to colour in each structure as you learn its name. While it might not be the most efficient method for learning anatomy, it offers a pleasant alternative when your energy is low. Plus, engaging in some colouring can be quite therapeutic after a busy day. I’ve included a link to the exact book I utilized, also from Netter’s, below!
Colouring book – https://amzn.to/3wZNWrH
- Dissection room
This final resource isn’t something you can simply purchase, but in my view, it’s the most crucial method for learning anatomy. If you’re fortunate enough to have access to a dissection room at your medical school, consider it an invaluable asset. In fact, the presence of a dissection room was a significant factor in my decision to choose my medical school over other offers. While diagrams and images are helpful, they fall short in replicating the intricacies of real human anatomy. Prosections and cadavers in the dissection room provide the most accurate representation of how anatomy appears in real life, aside from actual surgeries. You can’t spend hours exploring a body in an operating theatre, so the dissection room becomes the next best thing. Trust me, nerves aren’t yellow and veins aren’t blue, so it’s essential to be familiar with identifying structures on a genuine specimen, not just from a textbook.
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