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Overview

Anatomy & Physiology is about turning structure–function relationships into fast, testable explanations. Study efficiently by building mental maps for each system—what the parts are, how they work together, and how typical pathologies break those links—and by practicing cross‑system integration. Histology and imaging anchor recognition; simple calculations (MAP, ventilations) and lab values (CBC, ABGs, hormones) anchor interpretation.

2026 focus and structure

Expect station‑style questions that mix labeling, short mechanisms, and case vignettes across multiple systems. The most time‑saving approach is to prepare one‑page summaries per system that combine gross anatomy landmarks, core physiology pathways, and two or three hallmark disorders or lab patterns. During practice, rotate systems so you regularly integrate endocrine feedback with cardiovascular or renal control and connect respiratory mechanics to ABGs and ventilations.

Core systems and topics

Skeletal: bones, landmarks, ossification, remodeling, fractures
Muscular: muscle types, sarcomere, excitation–contraction coupling, energetics
Integumentary: layers, appendages, thermoregulation, wound healing
Cardiovascular: anatomy, cardiac cycle, ECG basics, blood components, hemodynamics
Respiratory: anatomy, gas exchange, mechanics, volumes/capacities, control
Digestive: organs, enzymes, absorption, liver/pancreas, microbiome
Nervous: central/peripheral, neurons/glia, synaptic transmission, reflexes
Endocrine: major glands/hormones, axes, feedback loops, receptors
Immune/Lymphatic: innate/adaptive, antibodies, vaccination, hypersensitivities
Urinary: nephron, filtration/reabsorption/secretion, RAAS, acid–base
Reproductive: gametogenesis, hormones, menstrual cycle, pregnancy basics
Special Senses: eye/ear, transduction, common disorders

High‑yield skills

Identify histology slides and gross anatomy landmarks
Interpret clinical vignettes and lab values (CBC, ABGs, hormones)
Trace physiological pathways and feedback loops

System deep dives (essentials)

Cardiovascular

Cardiac cycle: S1 (AV close), S2 (semilunar close); pressure–volume loop phases (isovolumic contract/relax); preload/afterload/contractility effects
ECG basics: P (atrial depol), QRS (ventricular depol), T (ventricular repol); intervals: PR (~120–200 ms), QRS (<120 ms), QTc; axis clues
Hemodynamics: Poiseuille (qualitative), MAP ≈ (SBP + 2·DBP)/3; Starling curve; anemia vs dehydration effects on flow

Respiratory

Mechanics: compliance vs resistance; obstructive (↑RV, ↓FEV1/FVC) vs restrictive (↓volumes, normal/high FEV1/FVC)
Gas exchange: V/Q matching; A–a gradient concept; hypoxemia causes (low FiO2, hypovent, diffusion, V/Q mismatch, shunt)
ABG patterns (qualitative): metabolic vs respiratory acidosis/alkalosis; simple compensation rules

Endocrine

Axes: HPA (CRH→ACTH→cortisol), HPT (TRH→TSH→T3/T4), HPG (GnRH→LH/FSH→sex steroids) with negative feedback
Hormone classes: peptide (membrane receptors, rapid), steroid/thyroid (nuclear receptors, genomic)
Disorders: primary vs secondary insufficiency/hyperfunction; lab patterns (e.g., high TSH + low T4 → primary hypothyroid)

Renal

Nephron: filtration at glomerulus; reabsorption (PCT bulk, loop countercurrent, DCT/collecting fine‑tuning)
RAAS: renin→Ang II (efferent constriction, aldosterone release); ADH water reabsorption; acid–base handling (bicarbonate reclamation)
Interpreting urine findings (qualitative): specific gravity, protein, glucose, casts

Nervous

Neuron physiology: resting potential, AP propagation, synaptic transmission (ionotropic vs metabotropic)
Autonomic: sympathetic vs parasympathetic effects by organ
Localization: UMN vs LMN signs; basic cranial nerve functions

Hematology/Immune detail

Hematopoiesis basics; CBC interpretation (RBC indices MCV/MCHC; WBC differential patterns)
Innate PRRs (TLRs conceptually), complement pathways (classical/alternate/lectin)
Adaptive: clonal selection, MHC I/II presentations; antibody classes (IgM, IgG, IgA, IgE)

GI/Hepato–Pancreato–Biliary

Enzymes and absorption sites; bile roles; pancreatic enzyme activation; microbiome roles
Common lab patterns: cholestatic vs hepatocellular injury; malabsorption clues

Musculoskeletal

Sarcomere structure; length–tension; motor unit recruitment; fiber types
Bone remodeling: osteoclast/osteoblast coupling; PTH/vitamin D; osteoporosis risk factors (qualitative)

Endocrine clinical patterns

Hyper/hypo‑thyroid lab triads; adrenal insufficiency vs Cushingoid features; diabetes basics

Immune/Lymphatic system

Innate vs adaptive roles; hypersensitivity types I–IV; vaccination principles
Lymphatic drainage logic and node microanatomy (survey)

Renal/Urinary system details

Autoregulation (myogenic, tubuloglomerular); medullary gradient and urea recycling (qualitative)

Special senses

Vision (phototransduction basics); hearing (hair‑cell transduction); vestibular function

Practice prompts

Label histology and predict functional consequences of lesions
Interpret ECG or ABG in clinical context
Predict downstream hormone changes for a given axis defect

References

SciOly Wiki – Anatomy & Physiology: https://scioly.org/wiki/index.php/Anatomy_and_Physiology
OpenStax Anatomy & Physiology; NIH/NLM MedlinePlus (images, overviews)

Anatomy and Physiology