Neuroanatomy is notorious for being the most challenging course in health and medical school curriculums.  Success in this medical science will require a strong combination of conceptual understanding, rogue memorization, and 3D visualization.  The following study strategies and tips have been formulated from past students that succeeded in their courses to help you learn how to study Neuroanatomy.

Remember to prepare for your test in our Neuroanatomy Practice Exams section!

 

Study Skill #1 - Develop a mental 3D image of the brain, spinal cord, and nerve pathways.  The best way to do this is by studying with multiple sources; such as, with gross anatomical pictures, cross-sections, and descriptive text.

Take the pons for example.  You should have one picture of the gross (large, zoomed-out) view of the pons as it is attached to the brain stem.  This makes you see the body part in relation to its surroundings.  Your second source will be cross-sections.  It is helpful to start from one end and work your way to the other, caudally to rostrally for example.  This allows you to view the composition of the pons and relate the position of specific nuclei and tracts to the gross structure.  For example, the abducens and facial nuclei appear at the level of the caudal pons.  The third source should be a descriptive text that you can read through about the body part.  As you read, go back and follow the pictures.  Begin to use your own words to state where the specific nuclei appear and how the pons relates to its surroundings.   Now you will begin to understand the information from multiple perspectives and construct your own mental image of the human brain.

 

How To Study Neuroanatomy: Pons Cross Section

Study Skill #3 - Use colored pencils.  This is the best way to trace the pathways of the nerves and their connections.  For example, use blue for first degree neurons, red for second degree, and so on.  This will reinforce the mental picture you are developing by separating the connections with color and improve memory recall.  Many students recommend The Human Brain Coloring Book for helpful illustrations and outlines for study exercises.  For the less artistic, try High-Yield™ Neuroanatomy which has many convenient nerve pathway diagrams and clinical syndromes.

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