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8 steps to create your own anatomy flashcards
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Anatomy flashcards are a popular way for students to learn Anatomy and test their level of knowledge and understanding of the subject. Every major Anatomy Atlas publisher has brought out a deck of cards, usually with an image on one side and the name of the image and the related theory on the other side.
But... these are not cheap.
| Get an atlas | Either a physical or eBook one, the images in it will provide the template for your flashcards. |
| Print images |
Choose the images that you want to turn into flashcards and print them on photo or slightly thicker paper. |
| Copy | Copy the name and essential bulletpoints from your anatomy notes on the back of each card that you printed. Focus on innervation, blood supply, function, acronyms, terminology, etc. |
| Laminate | This ensures durability and prevents your cards from getting dirty and bending. It can be done at any print shop or using a broad scotch tape. |
| Hole punch | By creating a hole in the top left-hand corner of each card, you can bind them together using a circular clip to keep them organised. |
| Box | For keeping your flashcard deck as tidy and pristine as possible. |
- Flashcard style quizzes: A better alternative
- How to make handmade anatomy flashcards
- Alternatives to handmade flashcards
- Sources
Flashcard style quizzes: A better alternative
Physical flashcards are a much-loved favourite amongst anatomy students. But with increasing numbers taking their studies online, more efficient ways to use flashcards have become available.
The interactive anatomy quizzes from Kenhub are a great example. They're formatted and used similarly to traditional flashcards, but with much more sophisticated ways to memorise and track your progress.
There are six quiz types available, containing thousands of questions across topics. Choose from basic or advanced identification, question bank, muscle attachments, innervations and functions, intelligent mix (a combination of all of the above), or custom quizzes.
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As you make your way through the quiz, our intelligent feedback system adapts to your knowledge levels by giving you more questions on the topics you need help with. The result? You'll identify and master any holes in your knowledge faster and more efficiently than ever.
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Another huge benefit is the time you'll save! Instead of painstakingly writing out each question, answer and explanation, you can access thousands of expert written questions at your fingertips. No hand cramp needed.
Want to give it a try? Check out the custom quiz below. Need to study another topic? No problem - after clicking on the quiz, you'll be able to change the topic, focus and difficulty.
How to make handmade anatomy flashcards
However, if you still want to create your own flashcard deck, you can do so by using the Kenhub online Anatomy Atlas:
- Register: By going to kenhub.com and registering as a user you can access the online Anatomy Atlas.
- Select: Browse through the image collections and choose the images you would like to use.
- Download: By right-clicking the images and selecting ‘save image as’ you can download each individual image to your computer, tablet or phone for your personal use.*
- Print: Using the printer options, you can select the size you would like your cards to be and print them out on photo paper, or slightly thicker paper (card) for durability.
- Copy: rewrite the most important bullet points of each card from your Anatomy notes and the name of the image on the back side. Important details include:
- Innervation: Nerve Supply
- Vascularization: Blood Supply (Including Arteries and Veins)
- Function: What the structure in the Image does
- Movement: If the structure is a muscle, you could include whether it Abducts, Adducts, Flexes or Extends, for example
- Acronyms: To help you remember difficult words
- Phonetic Spelling: Ensures the correct pronunciation of the words
- English & Latin Terminology: Which ever language the flash cards are presented in, it could be helpful to include the other language at the back, since various countries use various nomenclature.
- Laminate: When you are sure you have included all the important information on the back of each card, in order to ensure the endurance of your cards and protect them from bending or getting dirty, you can get them laminated at most print shops or just use a broad cellotape at home.
- Hole punch: By creating a small hole in each card in the top left-hand corner and using a circular clip, you can add the cards you will be revising that day and take them with you.
- Box: Find a small box to store your new deck to keep it clean and together while you are not using it.
By creating the cards yourself, it helps instill the knowledge better because first you have to make notes from your anatomy classes and reading materials and then you have to further summarize it so that only the most important details are left. When you write on the cards it is like revising the bullet points as you go.
Flashcards are only one part of your anatomy learning strategy. Learn how to put the pieces together with our Human Anatomy Study Guide.
How to use them
Once the deck is finished, you can use them for quick references, as a pocket version of the Anatomy Atlas that you can take to class and won’t be so bulky and finally when it is time to revise before a test or your exams, you can test yourself by looking at the image on the front of the card, see if you remember the structure’s name and the necessary information related to it. Once you have recalled everything you can, turn it over and truthfully evaluate yourself. It will give you a clear idea of where you are at in your revision and whether you need to reevaluate your study technique, increase the amount of time you reserve for studying Anatomy or work harder on specific weak points.
Alternatives to handmade flashcards
If this is all starting to sound a bit bothersome, but you still want to improve your anatomy knowledge in the most efficient way, then make sure to check out the full range of Kenhub anatomy, histology and radiological anatomy flashcard eBooks. They'll cut your time and stress in half.
*Based on our Intellectual property rights and use guidelines, downloading images from kenHub is permitted provided that the download is intended for personal use only. If you would like to share or use our images for any other purpose or setting (academic, business or otherwise), please contact us at [email protected] to find out more about our licensing options.
