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Anatomy and Physiology Nursing Mnemonics & Tips

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By Matt Vera BSN, R.N.

Studying about the human anatomy and physiology could be daunting since it requires a lot of information to be memorized, more so, to be understood. But it is of utmost importance, as nurses, to know about the functioning of the human body.

To help you understand the concepts, here are some anatomy and physiology nursing mnemonics and tips.

1. Functions of the Bone

The functions of the bones in the human body are abundant and crucial – far above and beyond provision of rigidity. Its functions are further divided into three, namely: mechanical functions which include protection, structure, movement and sound transduction; synthetic function such as blood production; and metabolic functions including mineral, fat and growth storage, acid-base balance, detoxification, and endocrine organ. To summarize these functions, remember the mnemonic “Some Men Prefer Mini Skirts, But Can’t Find Enough Skin.”

Functions of the Bone

2. Facial Bones: “VAIN MM PLZ”

Textbooks differ as to what bones to include in the facial skeleton, making a strict distinction between bones of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. The hyoid, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones are sometimes included, but otherwise considered part of the neurocranium. Others also include bones that can be seen in the frontal aspect of the skull such as the frontal bone. Note VAIN MM PLZ so you don’t miss out any of the facial bones.

Facial Bones (VAIN MM PLZ)

3. Cranial Bones: “PEST OF”

The neurocranium is comprised of eight bones: occipital, two temporal bones, two parietal bones, sphenoid, ethmoid, and the frontal bone. They form major portions of the skull and protect the brain.

003-CranialBones-PESTOFF

4. Layers of the Epidermis

Epidermis is the outermost layer of skin. While epithelium is a layer of cells covering most of the organs separately (eg. epithelium of digestive system and epithelium of respiratory system), the epidermis itself consists of a layer of epithelial cells (epithelium). The mnemonic “Come, Let’s Get Sun Burned” will let you not forget the layers of the epidermis.

Layers of the Epidermis

5. Functions of the Epithelium: “PASSIFS”

Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. It refers to layers of cells that line hollow organs and glands. It is also those cells that make up the outer surface of the body. The cells vary in structure according to their function, which may be protective, secretory, or absorptive. Just remember the mnemonic PASSIFS for its functions.

Functions of the Epithelium (PASSIFS)

More will be added soon…


Know a few witty nursing mnemonics? If you know a few more mnemonics about this topic, please do share them at our comments section below! Else, there are more nursing mnemonics here.

Matt Vera, a registered nurse since 2009, leverages his experiences as a former student struggling with complex nursing topics to help aspiring nurses as a full-time writer and editor for Nurseslabs, simplifying the learning process, breaking down complicated subjects, and finding innovative ways to assist students in reaching their full potential as future healthcare providers.

18 thoughts on “Anatomy and Physiology Nursing Mnemonics & Tips”

  1. Really helping me a lot in my studying for TEAS EXAM “ science portion “
    Thank you so much
    Appreciate so much

    Reply
  2. I have 2 new mnemonics to add:
    First is for the cardiovascular system: conductive system – somehow animals behave badly, psychos = sinistral, atrialventricular, bundle of his, bundle branches and purjinje fibres
    Second is for the stages of mitosis – I press myself against Tom Cruise = interphase, prophase (early/late), metaphase, anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis

    Reply
  3. This one helps me remember the order of blood flow through the heart: In Some Really Trendy Resorts People Play Loud Perfect Lullabies Making Lads And Adults Sleep

    Inferior VC, Superior VC, Right Atrium, Tricuspid Valve, Right Ventricle, Pulmonic Valve, Pulmonic Artery, Lungs, Pulmonary Vein, Left Atrium, Mitral Valve, Left Ventricle, Aortic Valve, Aorta, Systematic circulation

    Reply
  4. OH MY GHADDD THIS IS BLESSINGSSSSS!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS IS REALLY A GREAT HELP SPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO DOESNT HAVE A BOOK, AND HAVING AN ONLINE CLASS!!!! GOD BLESS YOU MWAMWA

    Reply
  5. Mnemonic for function of urinary system A WET BED
    Acid base balance
    Water balance
    Electrolyte balance
    Toxin removal
    Blood volume/pressure regulation
    Erythropoiesis
    vitamin D activation

    Reply

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