Anatomy Flashcards — free to study.
Sample flashcards covering human anatomy: cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Essential for nursing, pre-med, and health science students.
Study tips for anatomy
Learn structures in functional groups — study the heart with the entire cardiovascular system, not in isolation.
Pair visual learning with flashcards: draw structures from memory after reviewing each system.
Clinical mnemonics help (e.g. 'Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can't Handle' for carpal bones).
Sample cards (12)
What are the four chambers of the heart?
Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle. Right side pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs; left side pumps oxygenated blood to the body.
What is the function of the sinoatrial (SA) node?
The SA node is the heart's natural pacemaker — located in the right atrium, it generates the electrical impulse that initiates each heartbeat (60–100 bpm at rest).
What is the difference between arteries and veins?
Arteries carry blood away from the heart (usually oxygenated). Veins carry blood toward the heart (usually deoxygenated). Arteries have thicker walls; veins have valves to prevent backflow.
What is the role of the diaphragm in breathing?
The diaphragm contracts (flattens downward) during inhalation, increasing thoracic volume and drawing air into the lungs. It relaxes during exhalation, pushing air out.
What is the difference between the trachea and the esophagus?
The trachea (windpipe) carries air to the lungs. The esophagus carries food to the stomach. The epiglottis covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent choking.
What are the three types of muscle tissue?
1) Skeletal muscle — voluntary, striated, attached to bones. 2) Smooth muscle — involuntary, found in organs. 3) Cardiac muscle — involuntary, striated, found only in the heart.
What is the difference between tendons and ligaments?
Tendons connect muscle to bone. Ligaments connect bone to bone at joints. Both are made of collagen but serve different structural roles.
What are the main divisions of the nervous system?
Central nervous system (CNS): brain + spinal cord. Peripheral nervous system (PNS): all nerves outside the CNS. PNS divides into somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary).
What is the difference between sensory and motor neurons?
Sensory (afferent) neurons carry signals from sensory receptors to the CNS. Motor (efferent) neurons carry signals from the CNS to muscles and glands.
What are the major parts of the brain and their functions?
Cerebrum: higher functions (thought, language, movement). Cerebellum: balance and coordination. Brainstem: breathing, heart rate, consciousness. Hypothalamus: homeostasis, hormones.
What is the function of the kidneys?
Filter blood to remove waste (urea, creatinine), regulate fluid balance, control blood pressure (via renin), produce erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production), and activate vitamin D.
What are the layers of skin (from outermost to innermost)?
Epidermis (outermost, waterproof barrier), dermis (connective tissue, hair follicles, sweat glands), hypodermis/subcutaneous tissue (fat and connective tissue).
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