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In this article, I will explain effective study methods in human anatomy.
In human anatomy, it is necessary not only to memorize the names of various organs, muscles, and bones, but also to remember where they are located in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to learn as efficiently as possible.
This time, I will explain how to study “smooth muscle.”
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Learning using anatomy apps
The anatomy application allows you to view a selection of anatomy 3D models. In this model, there are various observation methods such as surfaces, cross-sections, and nervous systems.
1. Location of smooth muscle
Smooth muscle is a muscle found in the walls of various organs and blood vessels in the human body. It mainly functions as an involuntary muscle that cannot be consciously controlled, and coordinates many important processes in the body.
Specifically, it is centered on the walls of the digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine), blood vessel (arteries, veins), ureters, bladder, female uterus, and airway (bronchi) walls.
Smooth muscle repeatedly contracts and relaxes in these areas, and realizes important functions such as moving food, regulating blood flow, and aiding breathing.
In addition, the small muscles attached to hair follicles are also smooth muscles, and they play a role in causing “goosebumps” when you feel cold or when you feel fear. Thus, smooth muscle is distributed over a wide range of parts of the human body and is essential for maintaining overall harmony and function.
2. Smooth muscle cells
Smooth muscle consists of thin, spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells. Unlike other muscles, smooth muscle has a single nucleus in the center of the cell and is characterized by no horizontal stripes.
This is why it is called “smooth.” Each cell is 0.2 to 0.8 microns wide and 20 to 200 microns long, and is connected to each other to form a dense network structure.
The main components of smooth muscle cells are two myofilaments, actin and myosin, and contraction occurs when these slide in. This sliding mechanism is affected by changes in the concentration of calcium ions and the action of specific enzymes, and contraction is regulated.
Also, collagen and elastin are abundant as extracellular substrates, and these support each cell and play a role in transmitting contractile force to the surroundings. Furthermore, smooth muscle has a high ability to self-repair and can generate new smooth muscle cells even when damaged.
3. Major nerves in smooth muscle
Smooth muscle is mainly controlled by the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system consists of two parts, the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, and each regulates smooth muscle activity.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated during emergencies and performs functions such as promoting smooth muscle contraction and increasing blood pressure.
As a specific example, a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine is released via sympathetic nerves and contracts smooth muscle in blood vessels. Meanwhile, the parasympathetic nervous system works when relaxing the body, relaxes smooth muscles and promotes digestive tract movement.
Acetylcholine functions as a major neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic nervous system, and it induces relaxation of smooth muscle by binding to receptors. As a result, digestive tract exercise and urine excretion are carried out smoothly.
Furthermore, the endocrine system is also involved in regulating smooth muscle, and its activity is affected by hormonal fluctuations.
Specific study methods using apps
I will explain specific study methods using human anatomy applications.
Check your past learning history and practice repeatedly
Here are the steps to check your anatomy learning history and practice iteratively effectively.
1. Check your learning history in the app
Reviewing your learning history with the application is an important step in effectively advancing anatomy learning. First, launch the app and go to the learning history section from the main menu. Many anatomy apps are designed to show your progress in the form of graphs and lists, so you can visually check which parts you've learned about and how much time you've spent.
By using this data, you can understand which areas you have strengths in and where you need to spend more time and effort. We also recommend using a dedicated tag or notebook function to mark areas you are particularly weak at or where you need to relearn. Regularly checking your learning history and looking back on past learning content will lead to efficient review and deepening understanding.
2. Make a plan for iterative learning
Making an efficient repetitive learning plan based on learning history is extremely effective in promoting knowledge retention. First, identify weak points and areas where you need to relearn. Next, arrange these study items into a weekly or monthly calendar and create a specific study schedule. By proceeding in a planned manner, you can learn each part evenly and avoid packing in a large amount of information at once.
Using a task management app or digital calendar to set study reminders is effective. Also, it's important to have the flexibility to regularly review progress and revise plans as needed. By having goals and proceeding with your studies in a planned manner, you can efficiently acquire anatomical knowledge.
3.Use 3D features to learn visually
By utilizing the 3D function, learning anatomy is easier to understand visually. The 3D model shows the structure of the human body three-dimensionally, and each part can be observed in detail. This makes it possible to intuitively grasp positional relationships between deep muscles and organs that are difficult to capture in a planar view. For example, you can learn even the smallest details by rotating specific muscles and bones and zooming in and out.
Also, there are many apps that have the function of displaying cross-sectional views of each part using a 3D model, which is useful for deepening understanding of internal structures. This diversity of visual information helps with memory retention and improves immediate responsiveness in tests and practice situations. By utilizing the 3D function and learning visually, you can learn anatomy knowledge more deeply and efficiently.
Use the memo function concretely
Make notes so you don't forget the things and points you've noticed while studying. The memo function can be used for different purposes, such as inputting text, saving images, and writing memos. Tag your notes to make them easier to review later.
Test your learning regularly in the form of quizzes
Regularly testing what you've learned in a quiz format is a very effective way to anchor your anatomy knowledge. Quiz-style tests help you objectively grasp your level of understanding and areas you lack while repeating knowledge.
For example, by using a learning app to conduct quizzes every specific period, you can reconfirm what you've learned and strengthen your memory. There are a wide range of quiz formats, such as multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and short answer questions, and each helps understanding from a different angle and develops the ability to utilize various types of knowledge.
Get feedback
If possible, get feedback from other learners and experts. It helps you find your own gaps in understanding and areas for improvement. You can also keep yourself motivated to learn by regularly testing yourself. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and progress increases motivation for continuous learning.
summary
This time, I explained how to study “smooth muscle” using an application!
Thank you for reading this far.
I would be happy if reading this article helped you learn about anatomy.
Learning is a long, never-ending journey, but I sincerely wish you all the best. Let's continue to study together and work hard for the national exam!
Please look forward to the next blog.
teamLab Body Pro Free Download
A 3D anatomy app that shows all the structures of the human body
Download teamLab Body Pro here!
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