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Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
Learning strategies
Table of contents
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Learning strategies

Anatomy tools: How and where to find them

Author: Alexandra Sieroslawska, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: October 30, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Anatomy tools [05:26]
How and where to find the best anatomy learning tools.

Anatomy is a very special subject, considering the fact that by the time a student has completed the course, they will be able to recognize a very distinct studying pattern that was devised, copied or simply emerged in order to retain information. The specific anatomy tools that are utilized in this process: books, online atlases, flashcards etc., and how to use them, can seem daunting to the new student. Here the following questions are addressed using the advice of a newly qualified doctor:

  • How do you find out what is required?
  • How do you gain access to the materials?
Contents
  1. How do you find out what is required?
    1. Anatomy
    2. Histology
    3. Embryology
  2. How do you gain access to the materials?
  3. Sources
+ Show all

How do you find out what is required?

This one is actually quite easy. Firstly, attend freshers week and get your study guide or welcome package. This should contain all the requirements for the classes you will be taking that semester.

Secondly, attend the lectures, seminars and any other classes the anatomy department of your school puts on during the semester! The teachers are usually the ones examining you so by interacting with them on a weekly basis, you will start to understand their ways and what they want.

Thirdly, ask! Both teachers and older students can give you insight to the exams and studying techniques, old notes, etc. If you don’t understand something, or you want clarification, standing silent is not going to help.

Feeling a bit confused about how to get started learning anatomy? Check our our ultimate Human Anatomy Study Guide. 

Lastly, it is not the same everywhere, but a good guideline would be:

Anatomy

  • Anatomy atlas, either in print or online
  • The theory of anatomy (can be included or separate) that explains things individually as well as regionally.
  • Optionally flashcards can be a great help, but aren’t a necessity.
  • Use interactive online anatomy quizzes like Kenhub's

Histology

  • The theory of histology
  • A good set of colour pictures or real slides (Tip: if your department provides them, print them out on photographic paper and write the name of the slide and all the most important information and use them as flashcards!

Embryology

The theory of embryology with detailed, labelled pictures.

How do you gain access to the materials?

The answer to this is a bit more complex. It really depends on what your study technique is and whether you find the school materials comprehensive. In any case, here is where you should start looking:

  • School Booklist
  • Syllabus
  • Local bookstores, online shipping companies (usually the cheapest!) or the University bookshop
  • Student Book Sales
  • Online Materials or Apps (like Kenhub!)
  • Student Forums
  • Student Service Center
  • Old Notes (Ask older students and people in your year who seems to know!)
  • Department Teachers or Examiners (Ask their opinion on two different books!)

Not all of these are necessary, but so that you make a smart and informed decision, the underlined options seemed to be the most helpful.

Sources

Illustrators:

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