🌍 Pre-Clinical · subject

Pre-Clinical Anatomy Syllabus

The Anatomy syllabus for Pre-Clinical in full: 10 chapters, 36 topics and 102 sub-topics, every one listed below, plus 50 Anatomy flashcards with answers.

10Chapters

36Topics

102Sub-topics

50Flashcards

Anatomy syllabus: all 10 chapters

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics.

Introduction to Anatomy
2 topics
- Definition and Scope
  - Branches of Anatomy
  - Anatomical Terminology
- Anatomical Position and Planes
  - Anatomical Position
  - Body Planes and Sections
Upper Limb
4 topics
- Bones of the Upper Limb
  - Clavicle
  - Scapula
  - Humerus
  - Radius and Ulna
  - Bones of the Hand
- Muscles of the Upper Limb
  - Muscles of the Shoulder
  - Muscles of the Arm
  - Muscles of the Forearm
  - Muscles of the Hand
- Nerves of the Upper Limb
  - Brachial Plexus
  - Peripheral Nerves
- Blood Vessels of the Upper Limb
  - Arteries
  - Veins
Lower Limb
4 topics
- Bones of the Lower Limb
  - Pelvic Girdle
  - Femur
  - Patella
  - Tibia and Fibula
  - Bones of the Foot
- Muscles of the Lower Limb
  - Muscles of the Hip
  - Muscles of the Thigh
  - Muscles of the Leg
  - Muscles of the Foot
- Nerves of the Lower Limb
  - Lumbosacral Plexus
  - Peripheral Nerves
- Blood Vessels of the Lower Limb
  - Arteries
  - Veins
Thorax
5 topics
- Bones of the Thorax
  - Sternum
  - Ribs
  - Thoracic Vertebrae
- Muscles of the Thorax
  - Intercostal Muscles
  - Diaphragm
- Organs of the Thorax
  - Heart
  - Lungs
  - Esophagus
- Nerves of the Thorax
  - Phrenic Nerve
  - Vagus Nerve
- Blood Vessels of the Thorax
  - Aorta
  - Pulmonary Arteries and Veins
Abdomen
4 topics
- Abdominal Wall
  - Layers of the Abdominal Wall
  - Muscles of the Abdominal Wall
- Organs of the Abdomen
  - Stomach
  - Intestines
  - Liver
  - Pancreas
  - Spleen
  - Kidneys
- Nerves of the Abdomen
  - Autonomic Nerves
  - Somatic Nerves
- Blood Vessels of the Abdomen
  - Aorta and its Branches
  - Inferior Vena Cava
Pelvis and Perineum
5 topics
- Bones of the Pelvis
  - Pelvic Girdle
  - Sacrum and Coccyx
- Muscles of the Pelvis and Perineum
  - Pelvic Floor Muscles
  - Perineal Muscles
- Organs of the Pelvis
  - Bladder
  - Reproductive Organs
  - Rectum
- Nerves of the Pelvis
  - Sacral Plexus
  - Pudendal Nerve
- Blood Vessels of the Pelvis
  - Internal Iliac Artery and Vein
Head and Neck
5 topics
- Bones of the Head and Neck
  - Cranium
  - Facial Bones
  - Cervical Vertebrae
- Muscles of the Head and Neck
  - Facial Muscles
  - Masticatory Muscles
  - Neck Muscles
- Nerves of the Head and Neck
  - Cranial Nerves
  - Cervical Plexus
- Blood Vessels of the Head and Neck
  - Carotid Arteries
  - Jugular Veins
- Organs of the Head and Neck
  - Brain
  - Eyes
  - Ears
  - Nose
  - Mouth
  - Throat
Neuroanatomy
3 topics
- Central Nervous System
  - Brain
  - Spinal Cord
- Peripheral Nervous System
  - Peripheral Nerves
  - Ganglia
- Autonomic Nervous System
  - Sympathetic Division
  - Parasympathetic Division
Histology
2 topics
- Tissues of the Body
  - Epithelial Tissue
  - Connective Tissue
  - Muscle Tissue
  - Nervous Tissue
- Microscopic Anatomy of Organs
  - Microscopic Anatomy of the Heart
  - Microscopic Anatomy of the Lungs
  - Microscopic Anatomy of the Liver
  - Microscopic Anatomy of the Kidneys
Embryology
2 topics
- Basic Concepts
  - Fertilization
  - Cleavage and Blastocyst Formation
  - Gastrulation
- Development of Organ Systems
  - Development of the Heart
  - Development of the Nervous System
  - Development of the Gastrointestinal System
  - Development of the Urinary System
  - Development of the Reproductive System

Pre-Clinical Anatomy flashcards — 50 questions with answers

What is anatomy, and how does gross anatomy differ from histology?
Anatomy is the study of the structure of the body and the relationships of its parts. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy studies structures visible to the naked eye; histology (microscopic anatomy) studies tissues and cells using a microscope.
Define the standard anatomical position.
The body stands erect, facing forward, with feet together (or slightly apart) and flat on the floor, arms hanging at the sides, and palms facing forward (forearms supinated). All directional terms are described relative to this position.
Distinguish the sagittal, coronal (frontal), and transverse anatomical planes.
Sagittal plane divides the body into left and right (midsagittal = equal halves). Coronal/frontal plane divides into anterior and posterior. Transverse (horizontal/axial) plane divides into superior and inferior parts.
Define the directional terms proximal vs distal and superficial vs deep.
Proximal = nearer to the trunk/point of origin of a limb; distal = farther from it. Superficial = nearer the surface; deep = farther from the surface.
Name the bones of the pectoral (shoulder) girdle and the bone of the arm.
The pectoral girdle consists of the clavicle and scapula. The single long bone of the arm (brachium) is the humerus.
Name the two forearm bones and state their positions in the anatomical position.
The radius (lateral, thumb side) and the ulna (medial, little-finger side).
List the 8 carpal bones of the wrist in order (proximal then distal row, lateral to medial).
Proximal row: scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform. Distal row: trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, hamate.
How many metacarpals and phalanges are in one hand, and how are the phalanges distributed?
There are 5 metacarpals and 14 phalanges. Each finger (digits 2-5) has 3 phalanges (proximal, middle, distal); the thumb (digit 1) has only 2 (proximal, distal).
Which muscles make up the rotator cuff, and what is its main function?
Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis (SITS). They stabilize the glenohumeral joint and assist in rotation/abduction of the shoulder.
What are the actions of the biceps brachii and the triceps brachii?
Biceps brachii flexes the elbow and supinates the forearm (and weakly flexes the shoulder). Triceps brachii extends the elbow.
Name the three muscles of the anterior (flexor) compartment of the arm.
Biceps brachii, brachialis, and coracobrachialis.
Which muscle is the chief flexor of the elbow regardless of forearm position, and why?
The brachialis, because it inserts on the ulnar tuberosity/coronoid process and acts on the ulna, so its flexing action is unaffected by pronation or supination.
From which spinal cord segments does the brachial plexus arise, and name its five roots.
The brachial plexus arises from the anterior (ventral) rami of C5, C6, C7, C8, and T1.
List the five terminal branches of the brachial plexus.
Musculocutaneous, axillary, radial, median, and ulnar nerves.
Which nerve innervates the anterior compartment of the arm, and what deficit results from its injury?
The musculocutaneous nerve. Injury causes weakness of elbow flexion and supination, plus loss of sensation over the lateral forearm.
What deficit results from radial nerve injury in the spiral groove of the humerus?
Wrist drop (loss of wrist and finger extension) due to paralysis of the forearm extensors, and loss of sensation over the posterior forearm and dorsum of the hand.
Describe the classic deformity and sensory loss from median nerve injury at the wrist (carpal tunnel).
Weakness/atrophy of the thenar muscles ('ape hand'), impaired thumb opposition, and sensory loss over the lateral (radial) 3.5 digits on the palmar side.
Describe the deformity of ulnar nerve injury at the elbow.
'Claw hand' (ulnar claw) with hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal joints and flexion of the interphalangeal joints of the 4th and 5th digits, plus loss of sensation over the medial 1.5 digits and weak grip.
Trace the main arterial supply of the upper limb from the subclavian to the hand.
Subclavian → axillary → brachial → divides at the elbow into radial and ulnar arteries → these form the superficial and deep palmar arches in the hand.
Which two superficial veins drain the upper limb, and where does each lie?
The cephalic vein runs along the lateral (radial) side; the basilic vein runs along the medial (ulnar) side. They are connected at the elbow by the median cubital vein.

Show the other 30 Anatomy flashcards

Which artery is palpated for the pulse at the wrist, and on which side?
The radial artery, palpated on the lateral (thumb) side of the anterior wrist, lateral to the flexor carpi radialis tendon.
Name the bones of the pelvic girdle and the single bone of the thigh.
The hip bone (os coxae) = fused ilium, ischium, and pubis. The thigh bone is the femur, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
Name the two bones of the leg and their relative positions.
The tibia (medial, weight-bearing 'shin bone') and the fibula (lateral, non-weight-bearing).
Name the seven tarsal bones of the foot.
Calcaneus, talus, navicular, cuboid, and the three cuneiforms (medial, intermediate, lateral).
Which tarsal bone forms the heel, and which articulates with the tibia to form the ankle joint?
The calcaneus forms the heel; the talus articulates with the tibia (and fibula) at the ankle (talocrural) joint.
Name the muscles of the quadriceps femoris group and their common action.
Rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius. They extend the knee (rectus femoris also flexes the hip).
Name the three hamstring muscles and their main actions.
Biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. They flex the knee and extend the hip.
Which muscle is the strongest plantarflexor of the foot, and what tendon does it form?
The gastrocnemius (with soleus, forming the triceps surae) is the main plantarflexor; together they insert via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon onto the calcaneus.
What is the largest and most superficial muscle of the gluteal region, and its action?
The gluteus maximus; it is the chief extensor and lateral rotator of the thigh at the hip, important in rising from sitting and climbing.
From which spinal segments do the lumbar and sacral plexuses arise?
The lumbar plexus arises from L1-L4 and the sacral plexus from L4-S4.
What is the largest and longest nerve in the body, its roots, and its two terminal branches?
The sciatic nerve (roots L4-S3). It divides into the tibial nerve and the common fibular (peroneal) nerve, usually near the apex of the popliteal fossa.
Which nerve innervates the anterior thigh (quadriceps), and what is its motor deficit if injured?
The femoral nerve (L2-L4). Injury causes loss of knee extension and weakness of hip flexion, plus loss of the patellar (knee-jerk) reflex.
What deficit results from common fibular (peroneal) nerve injury at the neck of the fibula?
Foot drop with loss of dorsiflexion and eversion, a high-stepping (steppage) gait, and sensory loss over the anterolateral leg and dorsum of the foot.
Trace the main arterial supply of the lower limb from the external iliac to the foot.
External iliac → femoral → (popliteal behind the knee) → divides into anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries; anterior tibial continues as the dorsalis pedis on the foot.
Which is the longest superficial vein in the body, and where does it drain?
The great (long) saphenous vein; it runs up the medial side of the leg and thigh and drains into the femoral vein at the saphenofemoral junction.
Where are the popliteal and dorsalis pedis pulses palpated?
The popliteal pulse is felt deep in the popliteal fossa behind the knee; the dorsalis pedis pulse is felt on the dorsum of the foot, lateral to the extensor hallucis longus tendon.
What bones make up the bony thorax (thoracic cage)?
12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages, the sternum anteriorly, and 12 thoracic vertebrae posteriorly.
Classify ribs as true, false, and floating.
True ribs (1-7) attach directly to the sternum via their own costal cartilage. False ribs (8-10) attach indirectly through the cartilage of rib 7. Floating ribs (11-12) have no anterior attachment.
Name the three parts of the sternum.
The manubrium (superior), the body (middle), and the xiphoid process (inferior).
What is the sternal angle (angle of Louis) and its clinical importance?
The palpable ridge at the manubriosternal junction, level with the 2nd costal cartilage. It marks the start of the 2nd rib (for counting ribs), the T4/T5 vertebral level, the bifurcation of the trachea, and the aortic arch.
Name the muscles of the intercostal spaces and their role in breathing.
External intercostals (elevate ribs, aid inspiration), internal intercostals (depress ribs, aid forced expiration), and innermost intercostals. They lie between adjacent ribs and move the rib cage during respiration.
What is the diaphragm, its innervation, and its action?
The diaphragm is the dome-shaped principal muscle of respiration separating the thorax from the abdomen. It is innervated by the phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5); on contraction it flattens/descends, increasing thoracic volume for inspiration.
Name the major organs contained within the thoracic cavity.
The two lungs (in pleural cavities), the heart (in the pericardium within the mediastinum), plus the esophagus, trachea, thymus, and great vessels in the mediastinum.
Compare the right and left lungs in terms of lobes and fissures.
The right lung has 3 lobes (upper, middle, lower) separated by horizontal and oblique fissures. The left lung has 2 lobes (upper, lower) with a single oblique fissure and a cardiac notch/lingula to accommodate the heart.
What nerve provides motor innervation to the diaphragm, and why can diaphragm pain refer to the shoulder?
The phrenic nerve (C3-C5). Because it carries sensory fibers from the central diaphragm and shares C3-C5 dermatomes with the shoulder (supraclavicular nerves), diaphragmatic irritation refers pain to the shoulder tip.
What structure carries sympathetic ganglia along the thoracic vertebrae, and name the splanchnic nerves.
The sympathetic (thoracic) trunk runs alongside the vertebral bodies. The greater (T5-T9), lesser (T10-T11), and least (T12) splanchnic nerves branch from it to supply abdominal viscera.
Describe the origin and course of the thoracic aorta and its main branches.
The descending thoracic aorta continues from the aortic arch (about T4) and descends through the posterior mediastinum. Its branches include posterior intercostal arteries, bronchial, esophageal, and pericardial branches; it passes through the diaphragm at T12 to become the abdominal aorta.
Name the muscles of the anterolateral abdominal wall from superficial to deep.
External oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis (the three flat lateral muscles), plus the rectus abdominis anteriorly (and pyramidalis).
What is the inguinal canal and what important structure passes through it in males?
An oblique passage through the lower anterior abdominal wall above the inguinal ligament. In males it transmits the spermatic cord (in females, the round ligament of the uterus); it is a common site of hernias.
Name the four quadrants used to describe the abdomen and give one key organ located in the right upper quadrant.
Right upper, left upper, right lower, and left lower quadrants (divided by median and transumbilical planes). The liver (and gallbladder) lies mainly in the right upper quadrant.

Same Anatomy syllabus in other exams

The Anatomy outline above is identical in these 3 exams:

Pre-Clinical Anatomy FAQ

What is in the Pre-Clinical Anatomy syllabus?

Pre-Clinical Anatomy is split into 10 chapters: Introduction to Anatomy, Upper Limb, Lower Limb, Thorax, Abdomen, Pelvis and Perineum, Head and Neck, Neuroanatomy, Histology and Embryology. Together they contain 36 topics and 102 sub-topics.

How many chapters are in Pre-Clinical Anatomy?

10 chapters, containing 36 topics and 102 sub-topics. The largest chapter is Thorax, with 5 topics.

Are there flashcards for Pre-Clinical Anatomy?

Yes — a 50-card Anatomy deck, printed in full in the flashcards section of this page and available in the Examius app with spaced repetition. The free plan covers one exam of your choice, including its flashcards; Examius Pro, a one-time purchase, unlocks every other exam and deck.