Anatomy

'Anatomy is Destiny' - Sigmund Freud, a neurologist

To me, anatomy is the foundation of the medical knowledge we know now. It is almost impossible for a person to comprehend or learn the physiologic mechanism of how a heart beats without knowing first the external and internal structures that make up a heart. The same goes for a person who wishes to understand the pathologic reasons behind the finding of liver cirrhosis through microscopic examination without first knowing the normal morphology of liver tissues. Thus I find the definition given by medicinenet.com to be fit and appropriate as it defines anatomy as the study of human or animal form, by observation or examination of the living being, examination or dissection of dead specimens, microscopic examination, and/or textbooks.

When I was first introduced to Anatomy, it was during the Foundation block. I could still remember how everyone in my class was thrilled during our first theory class and was even more ecstatic when it finally came to the Anatomy Lab session. For me, I was more excited to see the cadavers. But now I find the 3

hour session in the Anatomy lab to be quite enjoyable and productive; more than being in a theory class; not solely because of the cadavers and the specimens but the opportunities for the students to sit in a small group and to revise and discuss the topics of the day while having living or plastic specimens at hand. I also find that the lecturers are more interactive and approachable in a lab session than being in class because lecturers are teaching us in a smaller group of people.

I have to admit that at first I was struggling to learn Anatomy as it is very new to me especially in getting used to different anatomical terms like medial, lateral, proximal and distal when describing anatomical position or understanding words like anastomoses, visceral and parietal. I also at first had trouble to find the correct way to study anatomy that would suit my style of learning as memorizing isn't exactly my forte. I prefer to understand and able to find logics in whatever I read or learn but Anatomy is a visual subject that requires a person to memorize the location, position, relation, blood supply, nerve supply and the clinical importance of a structure in our body. I thought at first, it would be easier for me to study if I make my own notes on each topic of that week but it turned out to be almost impossible as there were too many contents that I needed to cover and in addition to that, I have other subjects too to revise and make notes. However, I soon realised that being in a study group would help me a lot in my studies especially in Anatomy. During our study group session, we would share notes and tips and answer anatomy questions we obtained from other universities.

In Anatomy, apart from having to study the structures and organs of the human's body, I also learn on the ethical aspect of being a medical doctor. For example, we are taught to treat the cadavers with utmost respect and to conduct ourselves in the most professional manner at all time. This is because, as a medical doctor, ethics and professionalisme play a huge part in your career and also it gives you a good reputation as a doctor.

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