Tricks for Remembering Bones in Anatomy

Introduction

• Anatomy students need to memorize up to 206 bones.
• Mnemonics with rhymes and acronyms help with memorization.
• These techniques are memorable due to their whimsical and silly nature.

Key Areas Covered

• Vertebral Column and Cervical Vertebrae
• Cranial Bones and Fontanels
• Arm and Leg Bones
• Carpal Bones of the Wrist

1. The Vertebral Column and Cervical Vertebrae

• Vertebral Subdivisions Mnemonic:
  • 7 cervical vertebrae: Breakfast at 7 a.m.
  • 12 thoracic vertebrae: Lunch at 12 noon.
  • 5 lumbar vertebrae: Dinner at 5 p.m.
• Cervical Vertebrae Movement Mnemonic:
  • Atlas and Axis: Visualize Greek god Atlas holding the Earth (head) rotating on its axis.

2. Cranial Bones and Fontanels

• Cranial Bones Mnemonic:
  • 8 bones: Occipital, Parietal (2), Frontal, Temporal (2), Ethmoid, Sphenoid.
  • Mnemonic: "Old People From Texas Eat Spiders."
• Fontanels Mnemonic:
  • Fontanels: Posterior, Anterior, Posterior-lateral, Anterio-lateral.
  • Mnemonic: "PAPA."

3. Arm and Leg Bones

• Lower Leg Bones Mnemonic:
  • Tibia (thick like a tuba) and Fibula (thin like a flute).
• Forearm Bones Mnemonic:
  • Ulna on pinkie side, Radius on thumb side.
  • Mnemonic: "I cut off my thumb with a radial saw."

4. Carpal Bones of the Wrist

• Carpal Bones Mnemonic:
  • Bones: Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate.
  • Mnemonic: "She Looks Too Pretty, Try to Catch Her."
  • First four form the row closest to the arm; last four are closest to the hand.

About the Author

• Clare Smith is a writer specializing in natural science topics.
• Holds a Master of Science in plant biodiversity from the University of Edinburgh.

Additional Resources

• Articles related to anatomy and learning techniques available on the Classroom platform.