How you and I can learn anatomy

 How to Learn Anatomy Quickly (but Thoroughly)

Anatomy is the bread and butter of physiotherapy. In the future, you'll have to learn the ins and outs of the human body like the back of your hand (yep, you'll need to learn that too, lol). For many students, this seems like a daunting, scary, and almost impossible feat for the human brain...

THEY ARE WRONG!!

Now, I won’t sugarcoat it - anatomy is flipping hard. There are lots of bones, countless ligaments, and even more muscles. But it is not impossible. The scientists who named these muscles actually made it quite logical. Often, muscle names literally describe their attachment points - like the sternocleidomastoid (attaching to the sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process) - or their function, such as flexor carpi ulnaris (a flexor of the wrist on the ulnar side). You’ll quickly pick up on more naming patterns that will make learning easier.

But enough waffle, let’s get into my three main tips for learning anatomy.

3 Tips for Learning Anatomy Effectively

1. Read the Right Way

You're probably thinking, Bruh, that's so obvious. But while reading is essential, I often see my peers doing it wrong. I don’t mean grabbing a massive textbook and reading it cover to cover until you pass out. While this might work for some, for most, it's ineffective.

Instead, I recommend using structured tables or websites that break down key information into manageable chunks - things like origins, insertions, innervations, and actions. When you read and make your own notes in a concise format, you’ll retain the information surprisingly fast!

2. Touch and Palpate

Everyone likes a slap on the bum (obviously with consent), but have you ever thought about the fact that every time you touch someone, you're interacting with anatomy you need to learn? Even better, you can learn a lot just by palpating your own body (not in that way, you dirty-minded people).

When I was learning anatomy, I found it incredibly useful to feel the muscles on myself. For example, I would flex my arm and feel my biceps brachii contract, which helped me understand both its location and function. So next time you're flexing your biceps in the gym or giving someone’s gluteus maximus a friendly tap, use it as an opportunity to learn!

3. Watch Visual Content

We are lucky (or cursed, depending on your view) to live in the digital age. We have access to an endless supply of knowledge at our fingertips. Let’s use it!

TikTok and YouTube have phenomenal videos that can break down complex anatomy into bite-sized, easy-to-understand visuals. A two-minute TikTok video might teach you more effectively than a two-hour lecture. Just think about how many useless meme videos you remember - why not use that same brainpower to retain anatomy facts?

The Real Challenge: Time Management

The biggest challenge isn’t necessarily the sheer number of terms to memorize - it’s how you manage your time.

I’m not sure what your weekly schedule looks like, but when I had lectures every day, I felt like my free time outside of class was mine to relax. However, when exams came around, I quickly realized that I was wrong. You have to be proactive about revision.

At first, I thought making a revision timetable was a waste of time. My teachers and parents always told me to create one, and I’d brush it off like, Yeah, whatever, Mom. But once I got to university, I finally took the advice - and it made a world of difference.

Now, let me let you in on my secret weapon...🤫

AI. I had a three-hour conversation with ChatGPT, asking it to create a personalized revision timetable for me. And guess what? It did exactly what I needed. I followed this schedule like my life depended on it, and as a result, I scored 90% on my anatomy exam (damn you, Scarpa's Triangle for that last 10%!).

What I’m saying is - just like using social media for learning, AI tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly useful. Not only can they summarize information, but they can also help you create realistic study schedules. Give it a try.

Final Thoughts

Take it from me - I know how overwhelming it feels to look at your syllabus and see 1,000+ pages of anatomy content to learn. It can feel hopeless. But remember, you are not alone, and it is not impossible. Many people have done it before you, and many will do it after you.

All you need to do is take that first step.

Imagine this: a few months from now, you can name practically every muscle from head to toe. How freaking cool would that be? You’ll be able to impress your family and friends with your knowledge and feel like a total badass.

Conclusion & Thank You

Learning anatomy in my first semester was both challenging and rewarding. Through trial and error, I discovered study techniques that made memorizing complex structures easier, and I hope my experience helps others on the same path.

If you’re also studying anatomy, I’d love to hear what worked for you! Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog - I truly appreciate your support! Stay tuned for more insights from my physiotherapy journey. Let’s learn together!

Until next time, happy studying!

📧 EMAIL ME AT: student2physio@gmail.com