How to learn anatomy with mnemonics

Cranial nerves mnemonics

The human peripheral nervous system includes 31 pairs of spinal nerves, each branching off the spinal cord itself, and 12 pairs of cranial nerves, each emerging directly from the brain or brainstem.

The cranial nerves are crucial for sensory input, motor function, and autonomic control of various structures in the head and neck, and some even extend to the thorax and abdomen.

Each nerve is designated by a Roman numeral (I-XII) and a name that often relates to its function or location. They include the olfactory (I), optic (II), oculomotor (III), trochlear (IV), trigeminal (V), abducens (VI), facial(VII), vestibulocochlear (VIII), glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), accessory (XI), and hypoglossal (XII) nerves.

Understanding their functions, origins, and distributions is essential for neurological examinations and diagnosing various cranial nerve disorders.

These mnemonics will help you remember the names, order, and types (sensory, motor, or mixed) of these vital nerves.

Learn all the details about the cranial nerves in this study unit, with a fun video on the topic and interactive quizzes:

Mnemonics for cranial nerves order & type

A tried and true classic mnemonic for remembering the order of the cranial nerves is:

"On Old Olympus's Towering Top A Finn And German Viewed Some Hops"

• On - Olfactory (I)
• Old - Optic (II)
• Olympus’s - Oculomotor (III)
• Towering - Trochlear (IV)
• Top - Trigeminal (V)
• A - Abducens (VI)
• Finn - Facial (VII)
• And - Vestibulocochlear (Auditory) (VIII)
• German - Glossopharyngeal (IX)
• Viewed - Vagus (X)
• Some - Spinal Accessory (XI)
• Hops - Hypoglossal (XII)

For one that just rolls off the tongue:

“Only One Of The Two Athletes Felt Very Good, Victorious, And Healthy”

• Only - Olfactory (I)
• One - Optic (II)
• Of - Oculomotor (III)
• The - Trochlear (IV)
• Two - Trigeminal (V)
• Athletes - Abducens (VI)
• Felt - Facial (VII)
• Very - Vestibulocochlear (VIII)
• Good - Glossopharyngeal (IX)
• Victorious - Vagus (X)
• And - Accessory (XI)
• Healthy - Hypoglossal (XII)

For one that’s smooth as velvet:

"Oh Oh Oh To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet Such A Heaven!"

• Oh - Olfactory (I)
• Oh - Optic (II)
• Oh - Oculomotor (III)
• To - Trochlear (IV)
• Touch - Trigeminal (V)
• And - Abducens (VI)
• Feel - Facial (VII)
• Very - Vestibulocochlear (VIII)
• Good - Glossopharyngeal (IX)
• Velvet - Vagus (X)
• A - Accessory (XI)
• Heaven - Hypoglossal (XII)

For all the Harry Potter fans out there:

“On, On, On, They Traveled And Found Voldemort Guarding Very Ancient Horcruxes”

• On - Olfactory (I)
• On - Optic (II)
• On - Oculomotor (III)
• They - Trochlear (IV)
• Traveled - Trigeminal (V)
• And - Abducens (VI)
• Found - Facial (VII)
• Voldemort - Vestibulocochlear (VIII)
• Guarding - Glossopharyngeal (IX)
• Very - Vagus (X)
• Ancient - Accessory (XI)
• Horcruxes - Hypoglossal (XII)

If you’re looking for a way to remember which cranial nerve is sensory, motor, or both:

“Some Say Marry Money But My Brother Says Big Brain Matters More”

• Some - Sensory (I)
• Say - Sensory (II)
• Marry - Motor (III)
• Money - Motor (IV)
• But - Both (V)
• My - Motor (VI)
• Brother - (VII)
• Says - Sensory (VIII)
• Big - Both (IX)
• Brains - Both (X)
• Matter - Motor (XI)
• More - Motor (XII)

Facial nerve branches mnemonic

The facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII, is a mixed nerve responsible for motor innervation of the muscles of facial expression, taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal and salivary glands.

After emerging from the stylomastoid foramen, it enters the parotid gland and divides into five main branches: temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical. These branches innervate specific regions of the face, controlling various facial movements.

Understanding their distribution is crucial for preserving facial function during parotid surgery, diagnosing and treating Bell's palsy, and performing facial nerve blocks.

This simple mnemonic will help you recall the names and general locations of these important nerve branches.

"To Zanzibar By Motor Car"

• To - Temporal
• Zanzibar - Zygomatic
• By - Buccal
• Motor - Marginal mandibular
• Car - Cervical

Learn all the details about the facial nerve in this study unit, with a fun video on the topic and interactive quizzes:

Mandibular nerve branches mnemonic

The mandibular division is the third and largest division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), and is a mixed nerve, carrying both sensory and motor fibers.

After emerging from the trigeminal ganglion, it exits the skull through the foramen ovale and divides into several important branches. These branches provide sensory innervation to the lower third of the face, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the lower teeth and gums, and parts of the external ear. They also supply motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, as well as the mylohyoid, anterior belly of the digastric, tensor tympani, and tensor veli palatini muscles.

The following mnemonic will help you remember these important branches of the mandibular nerve in a logical order:

"Many Muscles Move During Biting; Let's Analyze Linguistic Information"

• Many - Meningeal branch
• Muscles - Medial pterygoid nerve
• Move - Masseteric nerve
• During - Deep temporal nerves
• Biting - Buccal nerve
• Let’s - Lateral pterygoid nerve
• Analyze - Auriculotemporal nerve
• Linguistic - Lingual nerve
• Information - Inferior alveolar nerve

Master the mandibular nerve through our in-depth study unit, complete with an entertaining video and interactive quizzes:

Circle of Willis mnemonic

The circle of Willis is a vital arterial network at the base of the brain that connects the anterior and posterior circulation systems. Named after the English physician Thomas Willis, this anastomotic ring plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent blood flow to the brain, even if one of the main arteries becomes blocked.

Understanding its components is essential for neurologists, neurosurgeons, and anyone studying cerebrovascular anatomy.

Luckily for us, remembering it is as easy as pie!

"An Apple Pie Is Perfect"

• An - Anterior cerebral artery
• Apple - Anterior communicating artery
• Pie - Posterior cerebral artery
• Is - Internal carotid artery
• Perfect - Posterior communicating artery

Get to grips with the arteries of the brain using our comprehensive resources, featuring an fun video and challenging interactive quizzes:

Maxillary artery branches mnemonic

The maxillary artery plays a crucial role in supplying blood to various structures of the head and face. It emerges as one of the two terminal branches of the external carotid artery, with its counterpart being the superficial temporal artery. This vital blood vessel begins its course in a region deep to the mandibular neck, hidden from direct view.

As it traverses through the facial structures, the maxillary artery's path can be conceptually divided into three distinct segments, each named after the anatomical region it passes through or the structures it relates to: mandibular segment, pterygoid segment, and the pterygopalatine segment.

The maxillary artery's extensive branching pattern and its deep course make it a challenging but fascinating subject in head and neck anatomy. Its importance cannot be overstated, as it provides the primary blood supply to structures as diverse as the teeth, the sinuses, parts of the nasal cavity, and even contributes to the blood supply of the dura mater in the cranial cavity.

This comprehensive (and unconventional) mnemonic will help you recall all 17 main branches of the maxillary artery:

"DAMn I AM Piss Drunk But Stupid Drunk I Prefer, Must Phone Alcoholics Anonymous"

• D - Deep auricular artery
• A - Anterior tympanic artery
• Mn - Middle meningeal artery
• I - Inferior alveolar artery
• A - Accessory meningeal artery
• M - Masseteric artery
• Piss - Pterygoid artery
• Drunk - Deep temporal artery
• But - Buccinator artery
• Stupid - Sphenopalatine artery
• Drunk - Descending palatine artery
• I - Infraorbital artery
• Prefer - Posterior superior alveolar artery
• Must - Middle superior alveolar artery
• Phone - Pharyngeal artery
• Alcoholics - Anterior superior alveolar artery
• Anonymous - Artery of the pterygoid canal

Conquer the complexities of the pterygopalatine fossa with our engaging study unit, featuring an exploration of the detailed anatomy, as well as interactive quizzes:

Subclavian artery mnemonic

The subclavian artery is a major blood vessel that plays a crucial role in supplying oxygenated blood to the upper limb, thorax, neck, and brain. This paired artery, found on both the left and right sides of the body, is a key component of the upper body's circulatory system.

As the subclavian artery courses through the body, it passes behind the clavicle (hence its name "sub-clavian") and over the first rib before entering the axilla, where it becomes the axillary artery.

This mnemonic will help you remember the main branches in their correct order:

"VIT C and D"

• Vertebral artery
• Internal thoracic artery
• Thyrocervical trunk
• Costocervical trunk
• Dorsal scapular artery

Navigate the vital highway of the subclavian artery in our comprehensive study unit on the triangles of the neck, featuring a detailed anatomical breakdown, a fun and exciting video and interactive quizzes:

External carotid artery branches mnemonic

The external carotid artery is a major blood vessel that supplies the external structures of the head and neck. It originates from the common carotid artery at the level of the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, typically around the fourth cervical vertebra. As it ascends through the neck, it gives rise to eight significant branches: the superior thyroid, ascending pharyngeal, lingual, facial, occipital, posterior auricular, maxillary, and superficial temporal arteries.

Each of these branches supplies specific regions and structures of the head and neck, including the thyroid gland, pharynx, tongue, face, scalp, and deeper structures of the skull.

This mnemonic will help you remember the eight main branches of the external carotid artery in their correct order:

"Some Anatomists Like Freaking Out Poor Medical Students"

• Some - Superior thyroid artery
• Anatomists - Ascending pharyngeal artery
• Like - Lingual artery
• Freaking - Facial artery
• Out - Occipital artery
• Poor - Posterior auricular artery
• Medical - Maxillary artery
• Students - Superficial temporal artery

Journey along the side streets of your neck with our comprehensive study unit on lateral head arteries, featuring an engaging video and interactive quizzes:

Internal carotid artery mnemonics

The internal carotid artery has a complex course with multiple segments and branches, playing a vital role in supplying oxygenated blood to the brain and other critical structures of the head. It originates from the common carotid artery at the carotid bifurcation, typically located at the level of the fourth cervical vertebra. From there, it ascends through the neck and enters the skull via the carotid canal of the temporal bone.

The internal carotid artery is conventionally divided into seven segments according to the Cincinnati Classification: cervical, petrous, lacerum, cavernous, clinoid, ophthalmic, and communicating.

Each segment has unique anatomical relationships and gives rise to important branches that supply various intracranial structures. The terminal branches of the internal carotid artery, the anterior and middle cerebral arteries, are crucial components of the Circle of Willis and provide the majority of blood supply to the cerebral hemispheres.

Let's look at some helpful memory aids for the segments and branches of the internal carotid artery.

Segments of the Internal Carotid Artery:

"Come, Please Let Children Consume Our Candy"

• Come - Cervical segment (C1)
• Please - Petrous segment (C2)
• Let - Lacerum segment (C3)
• Children - Cavernous segment (C4)
• Consume - Clinoid segment (C5)
• Our - Ophthalmic segment (C6)
• Candy - Communicating segment (C7)

Branches of the Internal Carotid Artery:

"A VIP'S COMMA"

A - Anterior choroidal artery
V - Vidian artery
I - Inferior hypophyseal artery
P - Posterior communicating artery
S - Superior hypophyseal artery
C - Caroticotympanic artery
O - Ophthalmic artery
M - Meningeal branches
M - Middle cerebral artery (terminal branch)
A - Anterior cerebral artery (terminal branch)

Master the art of reading your head's arterial profile through our detailed study unit on the main arteries in the head, featuring an exciting video, interactive quizzes, and exploration of the Kenhub atlas:

Hand and wrist mnemonics

The hand and wrist are marvels of anatomical engineering, comprising 27 bones, numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

The wrist alone contains eight carpal bones arranged in two rows of four: the proximal row (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform) and the distal row (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate).

These small bones articulate with each other and with the radius and ulna proximally, and the metacarpals distally, allowing for the complex movements of the hand. Memorizing these bones, their positions, and their relationships is crucial for understanding wrist injuries, interpreting radiographs, and performing surgical procedures.

The following mnemonics offer creative ways to recall the names and arrangement of these carpal bones:

“So Long To Pinky, Here Comes The Thumb”

Proximal row:

• So - Scaphoid
• Long - Lunate
• To - Triquetrum
• Pinky - Pisiform

Distal row:

• Here - Hamate
• Comes - Capitate
• The - Trapezoid
• Thumb - Trapezium

If you’re looking for a somewhat “spicy” way to remember the eight carpal bones:

“Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle"

• Some - Scaphoid
• Lovers - Lunate
• Try - Triquetrum
• Positions - Pisiform
• That - Trapezium
• They - Trapezoid
• Can’t - Capitate
• Handle - Hamate

Get a grip on hand anatomy with our comprehensive study unit on the bones of the wrist and hand, featuring an engaging video and string-pulling interactive quizzes:

Brachial plexus mnemonic

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves that provides motor and sensory innervation to the upper limb. It originates from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C5-T1 and undergoes several mergers and divisions before giving rise to its terminal branches.

Understanding the structure and organization of the brachial plexus is crucial for diagnosing and treating upper limb nerve injuries, performing regional anesthesia, and interpreting neurological exams.

The brachial plexus can be divided into five main components: roots, trunks, divisions, cords, and branches. To help you remember this organization, use the following mnemonic:

"Rugby Teams Don't Cover Bruises"

• Roots (C5, C6, C7, C8, T1)
• Trunks (Superior, Middle, Inferior)
• Divisions (Anterior and Posterior divisions of each trunk)
• Cords (Lateral, Medial, Posterior)
• Branches (Terminal branches)

To help you remember the branches of each cord of the brachial plexus, use these mnemonics:

Lateral cord branches:

"Rugby players are Long Legged Movers"

• Lateral pectoral nerve
• Lateral root of median nerve
• Musculocutaneous nerve

Medial cord branches:

"Rugby players Make Many Moves Using Muscles"

• Medial pectoral nerve
• Medial cutaneous nerve of arm
• Medial cutaneous nerve of forearm
• Ulnar nerve
• Medial root of median nerve

Posterior cord branches:

"Rugby players are ULTRA competitive"

• Upper subscapular nerve
• Lower subscapular nerve
• Thoracodorsal nerve
• Radial nerve
• Axillary nerve

Finally, to remember common nerve injuries and their associated hand deformities, use the mnemonic:

"DR. CUMA"

• Dropped wrist = Radial nerve lesion
• Claw hand = Ulnar nerve lesion
• Median nerve lesion = Ape (Median nerve) hand

Untangle the neural network of your upper limb with our comprehensive study unit on the brachial plexus, featuring two videos and interactive quizzes:

Rotator cuff mnemonics

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that play a crucial role in shoulder stability and movement. Located in the shoulder region, these muscles work together to provide dynamic stabilization of the glenohumeral joint, allowing for the wide range of motion that characterizes the human shoulder.

The four muscles that comprise the rotator cuff are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis.

Each of these muscles originates on the scapula and inserts onto the head of the humerus, forming a "cuff" around the shoulder joint. This arrangement enables the rotator cuff to not only assist in various shoulder movements such as abduction, internal and external rotation, but also to keep the head of the humerus firmly centered in the glenoid cavity of the scapula during these movements.

The proper functioning of the rotator cuff is essential for maintaining shoulder health and preventing conditions such as impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tears, which can significantly impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities and participate in sports or physical labor.

Here’s a helpful, and extremely simple mnemonic for remembering all 4 muscles:

"Rotator cuff SITS on the shoulder"

• Supraspinatus
• Infraspinatus
• Teres minor
• Subscapularis

Swing into action with our comprehensive study unit on the glenohumeral joint, complete with videos, quizzes, and an exploration of the Kenhub atlas:

Layers of abdominal wall mnemonic

The abdominal wall, which protects and supports the abdominal cavity, consists of several distinct layers.

From superficial to deep, these include the skin, subcutaneous tissue, superficial fascia, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis, transversalis fascia, extraperitoneal fat, and peritoneum. Each layer has specific functions and surgical significance.

To remember the layers from superficial to deep:

“Silly Students Study Extra Intense To Teach Effective Physiology”

• Skin
• Subcutaneous Tissue
• Superficial Fascia
• External Oblique
• Internal Oblique
• Transversus Abdominis
• Transversalis Fascia
• Extraperitoneal Fat
• Peritoneum

Sculpt your knowledge of core anatomy with our comprehensive study unit on abdominal wall muscles, featuring exciting videos and interactive quizzes:

Organs in the right upper quadrant mnemonic

The right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen contains several vital organs and structures. Understanding the contents of this quadrant is crucial for accurate physical examinations, interpreting imaging studies, and planning surgical procedures.

This mnemonic will help you remember the key structures found in the RUQ:

"LIVR"

• Liver
• Inferior vena cava
• Vessels of porta hepatis
• Right kidney

Navigate the neighborhoods of your midsection in our in-depth study unit on the regions of the abdomen, complete with interactive quizzes and an engaging video:

Lumbar plexus mnemonic

The lumbar plexus, formed by the ventral rami of the first four lumbar nerves (L1-L4), is another crucial structure in this region. It provides sensory and motor innervation to the lower abdomen, anterior thigh, and medial leg.

The main branches of the lumbar plexus include the iliohypogastric, ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, obturator, and femoral nerves.

Understanding these structures is essential for performing abdominal surgeries, diagnosing abdominal wall hernias, and managing various neurological conditions affecting the lower limb.

Who would have guessed that remembering the nerves is as easy as getting lunch?

“Interested In Getting Lunch On Friday”

• Iliohypogastric
• Ilioinguinal
• Genitofemoral
• Lateral femoral cutaneous
• Obturator
• Femoral

Unravel the lower body's neural network with our comprehensive study unit on the lumbar plexus, featuring 3 different videos and two separate quizzes:

Tarsal bones mnemonic

The foot contains seven tarsal bones that form the posterior half of the foot, providing stability and allowing for complex movements. Understanding these bones is crucial for podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists in diagnosing and treating various foot conditions.

This mnemonic will help you remember the names of the tarsal bones:

"Tiger Cubs Need MILC"

• Talus
• Calcaneus
• Navicular
• Medial cuneiform
• Intermediate cuneiform
• Lateral cuneiform
• Cuboid

Lace up your knowledge of foot stability in our in-depth module on foot ligaments, including a fun video and interactive quizzes:

Layers of the epidermis mnemonic

The skin, our body's largest organ, consists of multiple layers that serve various functions, from protection against external threats to temperature regulation and sensory perception. The outermost layer, the epidermis, is itself composed of several distinct sublayers.

The stratum basale is the deepest layer, where cell division occurs. As cells move upward, they differentiate and change shape, forming the stratum spinosum. The stratum granulosum contains granules that contribute to the skin's waterproofing. In thick skin, the stratum lucidum provides an extra protective layer. Finally, the stratum corneum, composed of dead, flattened cells, forms the outermost protective barrier.

Remember that the stratum lucidum is only present in thick skin areas like the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In other areas of the body, the epidermis transitions directly from the stratum granulosum to the stratum corneum.

Understanding the layers of the epidermis is essential for dermatology, plastic surgery, and studying skin pathologies. This mnemonic will help you remember the layers of the epidermis from deep to superficial:

"British & Spanish Grannies Love Cornflakes"

• Stratum Basale
• Stratum Spinosum
• Stratum Granulosum
• Stratum Lucidum
• Stratum Corneum

Dive into the depths of dermal design in our in-depth study unit on the integumentary system, featuring interactive quizzes and several engaging videos:

Functions of the skin mnemonic

The skin, as the body's largest organ, performs a multitude of vital functions that extend far beyond its role as a protective barrier. Its complex structure and diverse capabilities make it a crucial subject of study in various medical fields.

Understanding the skin's functions is not only essential for diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions, but also for comprehending how the body interacts with its environment and maintains homeostasis. From regulating body temperature to synthesizing vital nutrients, the skin's importance in human physiology cannot be overstated.

This mnemonic will help you remember the 7 main functions of the skin:

"PRE TEST"

• Protection
• Regulation
• Excretion
• Thermoregulation
• Endocrine
• Cutaneous Sensations
• Tactile discrimination

Zoom into the microscopic marvels of life with our comprehensive article on histology:

Tips for creating your own mnemonics

1. Use vivid, memorable imagery
2. Incorporate humor or wordplay
3. Make them personally relevant
4. Keep them simple and concise
5. Practice and revise regularly

Remember, mnemonics are not a substitute for thorough understanding, but rather a tool to aid in the learning process. Combine these memory techniques with diligent study, practical application, and visual learning for the best results.

Mastering anatomy: Kenhub's comprehensive approach

While mnemonics are powerful memory aids, they're just one part of the anatomy learning puzzle. At Kenhub, we've developed a multi-faceted approach that caters to diverse learning styles and maximizes retention. Our platform integrates adaptive interactive quizzes using spaced repetition, engaging video tutorials, a 3D atlas for hands-on learners, and comprehensive articles and study guides. This diverse toolkit allows you to explore anatomy from multiple angles, ensuring a deep and lasting understanding.

The true power of Kenhub lies in combining these resources. You might start with a video overview, reinforce key points with mnemonics, test your knowledge through quizzes, explore structures in the 3D atlas, and then dive into related articles for deeper insights. This multi-modal approach not only aids memorization but fosters a robust, applicable knowledge of anatomy. By leveraging Kenhub's comprehensive resources, you're building a strong foundation for your medical education and future practice, making your journey through the fascinating world of human anatomy more manageable and enjoyable.