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By: Anna Baluch
By: Sarah Gilliland, PT, DPT, MA, PhD
Updated: February 11, 2026
Anatomy & physiology study guide for MA students (beginner friendly)
As a medical assisting student, you’ll be required to take anatomy and physiology. While each subject is unique, the same study tools and strategies apply to both. If you’re new to anatomy and physiology or feel a bit intimidated, don’t fret. This study guide can help simplify studying and steer you toward success in both classes.
In this article:
Anatomy vs. physiology
First, let’s go over the difference between anatomy and physiology.
Anatomy
Anatomy refers to the study of structures in the body. It covers everything including bones, muscles, organs, tissues and cells. While some of these structures are visible to the naked eye, others are only seen using a microscope or imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
Physiology
Physiology is the study of how body parts work and includes tissues, cells and organs. It focuses on functions and processes, including how the heart pumps, how the lungs exchange oxygen, how hormones signal and how all the systems stay balanced.
Sample weekly study schedule
Instead of trying to cram in a lot of studying for these subjects at once before a big quiz or exam, study on a regular basis. This can make it easier to connect structure to function and memorize key terms.
Here is a sample study schedule you may customize to meet your own lifestyle, needs and preferences:
Monday: Grasp the big picture
Time commitment: 40 to 60 minutes
This is when you preview the chapter for the week and skim headings, diagrams and summaries. You may also watch a short video on an outlet like AnatomyZone or CrashCourse to get an overview of what you’ll learn.
Tuesday: In-depth reading and notes
Time commitment: One to 1.5 hours
Read the assigned chapter and take detailed notes. If you have time, highlight the key terms and create flashcards for them. Learn the content before you focus on memorization.
Wednesday: Visual learning
Time commitment: 45 to 90 minutes
Now you can label diagrams, use anatomy coloring books and draw the structures yourself. You can also leverage 3D models through sources like YouTube 3D demos or Visible Body. Build a mental blueprint of how the various structures and functions connect.
Thursday: Recall and practice
Time commitment: One hour
Test yourself with flashcards and the questions at the end of the chapter. It’s also helpful to explain important concepts aloud.
Friday: Tie everything together
Time commitment: 45 to 60 minutes
This is when you determine how the concepts you learn tie into the real world. You may compare structure and summarize this week’s content in your own words.
Saturday: Troubleshoot
Time commitment: 45 to 60 minutes
Revisit concepts that may be confusing or unclear. Watch review videos and meet up with a study partner who can help you out.
Sunday: Quick Review
Time commitment: 30 to 30 minutes
Go through your flashcards, organize your notes and read the class objectives for the upcoming week. The goal is to set yourself up for a smooth start to Monday.
Study hacks that actually work
Sarah Gilliland, Clinical Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at Tufts University, recommends these strategies to make studying for anatomy and physiology more efficient and effective.
Start with the big picture
Visualize each body system before trying to identify smaller details. “If you’re learning about muscles, for example, start by identifying where in the body they are. Then, think about what the muscle does and do that action with your body,” Gilliland said.
If you’re learning about muscle attachments, first identify the bone in question. Then, move on to the side or general area of the bone before you think about the specific attachment.
Take advantage of visuals
Visuals are really helpful for both anatomy and physiology, especially if you consider yourself a visual learner who needs to “see” a concept before you fully grasp it. “Readily available online or at local book stores, anatomy coloring books can really help learn while actively coloring,” Gilliland said. Drawings, models, apps and video may also come in handy.
Clarify the expectations of each class
Not all classes are created equal. In some anatomy courses, the sole purpose is to identify structures. In more advanced classes, however, the stakes are a bit higher. “You may be expected to make connections between the anatomy structures and functions, or between physiology processes and pathological or disease processes,” Gilliland explained.
Make the content meaningful to you
The more you can relate to what you learn in anatomy and physiology, the easier it’ll be to truly understand it. Whenever possible, connect the content to your life, hobbies or experiences.
“For example, if you’re learning GI physiology, review the processes while you are eating and see if you can describe what happens to your food at each step through the system,” Gilliland said.
Be active in your study
Success in these classes goes beyond simply reading and writing notes. Re-organize the concepts in meaningful ways. Move from words to images. Explain the concepts you’re learning to others to help them understand their bodies.