Learning Anatomy is an integral part of a medical student’s journey. Alongside topics like biochemistry and pathology, it forms the basis of our practice as future doctors. But it isn’t uncommon for medical students to hear or even think : “Do I really HAVE TO learn where that muscle is and which nerve controls it?” “Do I NEED TO know where those lymph nodes are?”
In this post, we’ll discuss why anatomy is so important and some ways to up your game when it comes to learning the subject.
Why is anatomy important? ✨
It was during my first anatomy lesson at medical school that I realised anatomy is not only about memorizing and regurgitating facts. Every “fact” has an implication. Without clear knowledge of what structures are located where and how they are interconnected it would be near impossible to come up with a diagnosis, let alone treat my patients.
How patients present at clinic largely depends upon what regions of their body have been affected. Being able to examine them and predict which structures have been injured is key to making a quick diagnosis and starting treatment as soon as possible.
Let’s take a hypothetical scenario with two doctors - one who has learnt anatomy and one who hasn't. They meet a young man injured in a road traffic accident whilst riding his motor bike at the A&E. He complains of pain in his pelvis.🚑
Only the doctor who is aware that a multitude of blood vessels cross the pelvis, knows the pattern in which pelvic bones fracture and the structures that are likely to be damaged would be able to spot a fatal internal bleed. And Anatomy teaches you just that! With that being said, it isn’t hard to guess which of the doctors could have saved the patient.
But how do I learn so much information?📚
Apply: Most medical schools offer students a range of opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge in a hands-on settings. Make the most out of these resources! There is no better way to consolidate what you’ve learnt than by applying it.
Models: Use physical models of bones and muscles, apps or videos that demonstrate anatomical structures. These are greatly helpful in visualising positions of body parts and their relationship with surrounding structures in three-dimension.
Cadaveric prosection: Prosection is a type of practical learning opportunity where you get to view cadavers which clearly demonstrate different regions of the body. These classes help emphasize the real-life arrangement of the multiple anatomical layers the body has. (TIP: Make sure to revise your theory before these classes so that you can identify and name the structures you've learnt about.)
Clinical context: At the end of the day, all the information we learn, we learn to make us better at diagnosing and treating our patients. Connecting anatomy with a real-world clinical scenario will make it so much easier to remember and appreciate the weight of such an important subject.
Regular revision: As with any knowledge gained during medical school. You only remember what you repeatedly come across. That being said, it isn't practical to keep re-learning the same concept either. Make mind maps and summary sheets as a quick revision tool you can flip through in your free time. Use graphics, videos, podcasts or absolutely anything that keeps you interested to regularly revise content.
Above all, the idea with anatomy is to have fun and make it interesting in your own way. The more interested you are, the more you'll enjoy it.
by 👩🏻⚕️.
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