How to Study for Anatomy and Physiology

Introduction

Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) has a reputation for being one of the toughest classes in any health science program and for good reason. These courses are designed to challenge you and weed out those who aren’t fully committed to a career in medicine. A&P often carries more weight when applying to competitive programs, so doing well isn’t just about passing, it could be the difference between getting accepted or not. The workload is intense, but it’s far from impossible. I passed both A&P I and II with straight A’s, and I’m here to share the exact methods and strategies I used to successfully complete this challenging course.

What to Expect

Before diving into strategies, it helps to know what kind of material you’re up against. You'll be dealing with:

• Definitions: Prefixes, suffixes, terminology, and vocabulary.
• Structures: Bones, muscles, organs, and tissues.
• Functions: How systems work individually—and how they interact.

You’ll bounce between memorizing terms, visually identifying diagrams, and explaining complex physiological processes. Your study methods should match that variety.

Mindset

You cannot cram in this course. It’s far too complex, and the only way to succeed is to immerse yourself in the subject. Each chapter builds on the last, so consistency is key. Taking initiative to get ahead can really pay off. Skimming the textbook or watching a quick video before lecture helps you follow along and absorb more in class, think of it as priming your mind.

I highly recommend CrashCourse’s A&P series. The visuals are clear, the explanations are concise, and it's one of the best free resources out there.

Record Lectures

Lectures move fast, and you won’t catch everything the first time. After class, while the information is still fresh, play the lecture back and clean up your notes. This is also a great time to transfer key points or diagrams into a flashcard set you’ll continue to build as you study.

If you’re short on time, replaying lectures while commuting, exercising, or doing chores is a great way to squeeze in a passive review session.

Flashcards and Studying

Flashcards are essential in A&P, but they need to go beyond basic definitions. Push yourself to connect structure and function because the devil is in the details. A huge part of A&P involves visually identifying structures, so adding images is a must.

Did I mention spelling counts? It absolutely does. Flashcard apps like NoteKnight make it easy with interactive study modes that let you practice typing answers and checking spelling. Perfect for tackling intimidating terms like pseudostratified columnar epithelium.

And while we’re on the topic of memory tools, let’s talk mnemonics. Picmonic visuals are clever, memorable, and honestly a lifesaver. Check them out. You’re bound to find a few gems worth adding to your study materials.

Explain What You Learned

One of the fastest ways to tell if you actually understand something is to try teaching it. Explain a concept out loud, as if you're talking to a friend or giving a quick lecture. If you can teach it clearly, you know it well. If you can’t, then you’ve just identified your next review topic.

This kind of self-testing helps you avoid some of the most common study mistakes students make.

Assigned Reading

A&P textbooks are notoriously dense. I personally waited until I had a solid foundation before diving into the nitty-gritty of the assigned reading. It felt way more manageable with a baseline understanding. I’d use a highlighter to mark important details and later use those to flesh out my notes. It’s a great way to bulk up your materials before exams roll around.

Lab

Lab is where A&P truly comes to life. It’s one of the rare times in school where you actually put theory into practice. Whether you're studying models or viewing slides under a microscope, hands-on practice helps bridge the gap between abstract concepts and the real world. Don’t stress about perfect notes, just be present. Get out of your seat, interact, and volunteer yourself. The more involved you are, the better the material sticks.

This is a great reminder that where you study matters. If you need ideas for more productive environments, check out our list of best places to study.

Final Thoughts

Mastering A&P isn’t about being brilliant, it’s about being consistent. The students who do best are the ones who show up early, stick with it, and approach studying with a plan. Practice active recall, space your reviews, and mix up how you learn. Take it one system at a time, and trust the process. You’re not just learning to pass a class, you’re building the foundation for your future endeavors!