How to write notes as a dyslexic student

Hey everyone! So, you know how daunting anatomy can feel, especially when you're just starting pre-nursing? I totally get it. One of the trickiest parts for me was really understanding and remembering the abdominal regions. It's not just about memorizing names; it's about knowing what's where for clinical context. That's why I poured hours into making my notes super clear, especially with labeled diagrams. When we talk about the abdomen, we usually divide it into four main quadrants or sometimes nine regions to pinpoint where organs are. For exams and future practice, truly grasping these abdominal quadrants labeled is a game-changer. I found it easiest to visualize two imaginary lines: one horizontal (transumbilical plane) going through the navel, and one vertical (median plane) also through the navel. This splits your abdomen into the right upper quadrant (RUQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), and left lower quadrant (LLQ). In my notes, I always draw a simple outline of the torso and then sketch these lines. Then, I add in the major organs for each section. For instance, the RUQ is where you'll find the liver (most of it!), gallbladder, part of the pancreas, and duodenum. The LUQ holds the stomach, spleen, a different part of the pancreas, and left kidney. Down to the RLQ, I note the appendix (super important to remember!), cecum, and parts of the small intestine. And finally, the LLQ contains the descending colon, sigmoid colon, and more small intestine. Adding these to my diagrams with clear labels made a huge difference! Beyond just the quadrants, I also found it helpful to include notes on related concepts like body cavities and serous membranes—those terms always seemed to pop up together. Understanding the peritoneal cavity and how organs are covered by visceral and parietal peritoneum really helped connect the dots for me. I'd use different colors for different layers or structures in my diagrams. My process for these notes included pulling information from professor's slides, my textbook, and even online videos to get a comprehensive view. I'd make sure to use bullet points for key facts and always add a small drawing or diagram whenever possible. For concepts like positive feedback loops or cell communication, which can be abstract, having a flow chart or a simple illustrative drawing makes it so much easier to visualize the process rather than just reading text. It definitely takes time to create notes like this, but trust me, it’s worth it. When it comes to studying, having your own clearly laid out and labeled diagrams of the abdominal quadrants or outlines of core principles like structure and function, means less time trying to decipher dense textbook paragraphs. I even practiced drawing and labeling them from memory. This active recall is fantastic. If you're struggling with anatomy, try breaking it down visually like this. It's been a lifesaver for my pre-nursing journey!