Sep 16, 2024
If you’re studying for any class in medical school, utilizing mnemonics is essential for committing large amounts of information to memory. They help break down and simplify information so you can easily recall terms during exams and beyond. In this post, we’ll explore 10 essential biology mnemonics specifically curated for medical students.
Cranial Nerves (Function - Sensory, Motor, or Both)
"Some Say Marry Money, But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More"
Function of each cranial nerve: Sensory, Motor, or Both.
Hormones of the Anterior Pituitary
"FLAT PEG"
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Prolactin, Endorphins, Growth hormone.
Branches of the External Carotid Artery
"Some Anatomists Like Freaking Out Poor Medical Students"
Superior thyroid, Ascending pharyngeal, Lingual, Facial, Occipital, Posterior auricular, Maxillary, Superficial temporal.
Carpal Bones
"Students Like To Practice Typing To Calm Hands"
Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate.
Causes of Hypoxia
"HAPPY"
Hypoventilation, Altitude, Perfusion defect, Pulmonary shunt, Yielding oxygen-carrying capacity (anemia).
Branches of the Brachial Plexus
"Randy Travis Drinks Cold Beer"
Roots, Trunks, Divisions, Cords, Branches.
Complications of Myocardial Infarction
"DARTH VADER"
Death, Arrhythmia, Rupture (free ventricular wall/ventricular septum/papillary muscles), Tamponade, Heart failure (acute or chronic), Valve disease, Aneurysm of ventricle, Dressler’s syndrome, thromboEmbolism (mural thrombus), Recurrence/mitral Regurgitation
Cardinal Signs of Inflammation
"PRISH"
Pain, Redness, Immobility (loss of function), Swelling, Heat.
Layers of the Epidermis
"Come, Let’s Get Sunburned"
Corneum, Lucidum, Granulosum, Spinosum, Basale (Stratum layers of the epidermis).
Tarsal Bones
"Tiger Cubs Need MILC"
Talus, Calcaneus, Navicular, Medial cuneiform, Intermediate cuneiform, Lateral cuneiform, Cuboid.
Looking for more? Check out Learvo’s comprehensive medical mnemonic library to guide your studying!