Anatomy and Physiology are two interesting disciplines in the branch of biology. Since they are more or less related to each other, most universities teach them together. This is the tricky part.
Despite being related, it holds true that Anatomy and Physiology are not the same. Let’s clarify this – Anatomy refers to the study of different human body parts, their structure, and identity. On the other hand, Physiology deals with studying how each part relates to the others and works together for optimal bodily functions.
We observe that where Anatomy simply identifies and describes each body part, Physiology explains their function (individually and in tandem with the others). According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for biological technicians is growing at 5% between 2022 and 2032 (faster than the average of other occupations). A degree in Anatomy and Physiology can help you harness these emerging opportunities.
For aspirants in this field, now is the time to refine their skills and be thorough in knowledge. It starts with excelling in Anatomy and Physiology classes. In this article, we will discuss three best practices for success.
Which is More Difficult – Physiology or Anatomy?
Students often wonder before digging deep into the subject as to which one of the two is tougher. Grasping all aspects of each may take some time, but it is often believed that Anatomy is a whole lot more challenging than Physiology.
It may seem so since investigating body structures like bones and organs can seem confusing. This part of the subject usually involves the concept of correct labeling – students must drag the labels to the appropriate location in the figure.
The practice is highly dependent on solid memorization skills. As for basic structures, most students ease into the identification. The problem mainly comes with the internal parts (not organs, but the origin of bones and muscles). After all, it is a lot like Google Maps charting out the areas of the human body.
However, students who are good with memorization may not find Anatomy to be too difficult. Many consider Physiology to be challenging since this part requires thorough understanding.
The interesting thing is that a solid understanding of Physiology will gradually make Anatomy easier. In the final analysis, the tougher of the two will depend entirely on the student’s learning style.
3 Study Tips That Can Help Students Excel in Both
No matter which part of the discipline students find more challenging, there are ways to excel in both. In this section, we will discuss three study tips for better performance.
Starting on the Right Foot
As students study in the right direction from the very beginning, their chances of understanding the subject better are higher. What would that look like? It would look like paying careful heed in class. Now, many students mark or highlight important parts in their textbooks, but that is not enough.
One practice that must be adopted is jotting down important points in one’s own words. Doing so (especially with the help of self-made analogies) is the way to ensure that nothing misses the mind. Moreover, both parts have plenty of diagrams that must be practiced well and thoroughly.
For instance – students must follow correct labeling practices (even if it seems time-consuming and unnecessary). According to Proprep, there are several ways to label properly. These include using abbreviations, arrows, or different colors for each label. However, having a label that is too small to read is an incorrect practice and must be avoided.
Using Mnemonics and Flash Cards
This study tip is exclusively focused on those who may not be so good at memorization. Even those who are can polish their skills using mnemonics or flash cards.
Flash cards are extremely helpful in remembering terms that may be too difficult. Students can create them the traditional way (by hand) or they can download a smartphone application that has flash cards. They can even use acronyms for this process – forming a word using the first letter.
A step ahead of this practice would be a mnemonic device. It is a database with practically every term on the subject. Students can use mnemonics to gain a thorough knowledge of Anatomy or Physiology.
Brushing up on Foreign Language Skills
It is not uncommon for Anatomy and Physiology students to come across terms or words that are challenging to understand. Some may even jokingly state that it all appears to be Greek or Latin to them.
The interesting thing is that a lot of it is actually Greek and Latin in the linguistic sense. These subjects have plenty of words borrowed from foreign languages like Latin and Greek. This is why brushing up on foreign language skills will make it easier to understand and remember medical terminology.
That being said, those who are new to the languages need not learn it all from scratch. All they need to do is to look up the required terms and memorize them.
Finally, spending quality time in personal study is equally important. This should involve at least four to six hours each day (individual or group study). During this time, students must sit with their class notes, assignments, and books quietly to assess the topics of that day.
Then, they must begin memorizing, practicing, and understanding that topic. Acing Anatomy and Physiology is not a matter of an overnight study. It requires complete dedication each day. With time, students will identify their weak areas, work on them, and have clarity enough to pass with flying colors.
