Anatomy, Physiology, and Applied Sciences
Core concepts
Build a working map of body systems and how they interact. Know directional terminology (anterior/posterior, proximal/distal, superior/inferior, medial/lateral), body planes, and the major cavities and their contents. Understand the musculoskeletal system (bone, joint, muscle types and actions), the cardiovascular system (circulation, cardiac output = heart rate × stroke volume, blood pressure regulation), the respiratory system (ventilation, gas exchange, normal respiratory rates), and the nervous and endocrine systems as control networks.
Physiology questions reward understanding of homeostasis and compensation: how the body responds to hypoxia, hemorrhage, dehydration, or fever. Know fluid and electrolyte basics (sodium, potassium, calcium) and acid-base balance, and how the kidneys and lungs regulate pH.
Traps in questions
- Confusing proximal/distal or medial/lateral in clinical descriptions.
- Mixing up arteries (away from heart) and veins (toward heart).
- Forgetting that compensation masks deterioration until reserves are exhausted.
- Reversing normal ranges for adults.
Worked example / rule of thumb
A patient is bleeding heavily. Cardiac output falls; baroreceptors trigger increased heart rate and vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure, so a "normal" blood pressure can hide significant loss. Rule of thumb: trend the numbers and look for compensation - tachycardia and narrowing pulse pressure often precede a pressure drop.