Cambridge Medical School Part IA and IB Cheat Sheet

The layout of the limbs and trunk, with embryological development.

Limbs and back

• Anatomical Terms
• Basics of Bone Anatomy
• Bones of the Foot
• Bones of the Hand
• Bones of the Lower Limb
• Bones of the Upper Limb
• Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
• Conditions of the Ankle
• Conditions of the Arm
• Conditions of the Back and Neck
• Conditions of the Elbow
• Conditions of the Foot
• Conditions of the Hand
• Conditions of the Hip
• Conditions of the Knee
• Conditions of the Lower Back
• Conditions of the Lower Leg
• Conditions of the Shoulder and Clavicle
• Conditions of the Thigh
• Conditions of the Wrist
• Connective Tissue
• Dermatomes and Myotomes
• Joints
• Key Areas of the Lower Limb
• Key Areas of the Upper Limb
• Muscles in Action
• Muscles of the Forearm
• Muscles of the Gluteal Region
• Muscles of the Lower Leg
• Muscles of the Shoulder
• Muscles of the Thigh
• Muscles of the Upper Arm
• Structure of Bones
• Structure of the Muscles
• The Brachial Plexus
• The Lumbar Plexus
• The Sacral Plexus
• The Spine

Chest, abdomen and pelvis

• Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
• Anatomy of the Respiratory System
• Development of the Respiratory System
• Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
• Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
• Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
• Anatomy of the Woman
• Anatomy of the Man
• The Pelvic Floor
• Embryological Development of the CVS (cardiovascular system)
• Development of the Urinary System

Embryology

• Basics of Embryology
• Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations

Examination guides

• GALS (gait, arms, legs, spine) Screening OSCE Examination
• Abdominal OSCE Examination
• Hernia OSCE Examination
• Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
• Respiratory System OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Embryology

The microscopic structure of cells and tissues, and how structure fits function. Examined inside the Homeostasis papers.

Pathology

• How to Read a Histology Slide
• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
• The Lymphatic System

Musculoskeletal System

• Connective Tissue
• Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
• Structure of Bones
• Structure of the Muscles

From other subjects

• Cells and Components of the Nervous System
• Introduction to the Cell
• Biological Membranes
• Haematopoiesis and the Spleen

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Pathology

How the body regulates its internal environment: nerve and muscle, circulation, breathing, kidney, digestion, metabolism and hormones, with clinical relevance. Reproduction, senses and the brain come in Part IB.

Nerve and muscle

• Membrane Potentials
• Action Potentials
• Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
• Structure of the Muscles
• Muscles in Action
• Autonomic Nervous System Introduction

Circulation

• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
• Artery and Vein Disease
• Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
• Cardiovascular Drugs
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Control of Cardiac Output
• Electrocardiogram Pathology
• Electrocardiograms
• Embryological Development of the CVS
• Haemodynamic Shock
• Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Murmurs
• Pulses and Pressures
• Special Circulations
• The Cardiac Cycle

Respiration

• Anatomy of the Respiratory System
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
• Carbon Dioxide Transport
• Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Development of the Respiratory System
• Lung Cancer
• Lung Function Testing
• Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
• Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
• Properties of Gas Exchange
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Respiratory Failure
• Tuberculosis
• Ventilation and Lung Mechanics

Kidney, excretion and water balance

• Acute Kidney Injury
• Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Control of Plasma Osmolarity
• Control of Plasma Volume
• Control of Potassium
• Development of the Urinary System
• Diabetic Nephropathy
• Diuretics
• Glomerular Disease
• Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
• Hyponatraemia
• Male Urological Conditions
• Micturition
• Prostate Pathology
• The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
• The Nephron
• Urinary Incontinence
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Urinary Tract Obstruction
• Urological Malignancy

Digestion and absorption

• Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
• Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
• Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
• Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
• Gastrointestinal Emergencies
• Gastrointestinal Malignancy
• Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
• Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
• Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
• Intestinal Pathology
• Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
• Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology

Hormones

• An Introduction to Endocrinology
• Calcium Metabolism
• Control of Appetite
• Diabetes Mellitus
• HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary axis) and Growth Hormone
• Pituitary Disorders
• The Adrenal Glands and Adrenal Disorders
• The Endocrine Pancreas
• The Thyroid Gland

Metabolism and temperature

• Alcohol Metabolism
• Dietary Energy Production
• Energy Reactions in Cells
• Energy Storage
• Glycolysis
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
• Lipid Metabolism and Transport
• Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
• Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
• Oxidative Stress
• Oxygen-dependent Pathway
• Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
• Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
• Temperature Regulation
• Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements

Blood

• Anaemia
• Blood Groups, Crossmatching and Transfusion Reactions
• Full Blood Count
• Haematology in Systemic Disease
• Haematopoiesis and the Spleen
• Haemoglobinopathies
• Iron Metabolism
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• When Haematopoiesis Goes Wrong

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Urinary System, Gastrointestinal System, Endocrinology, Haematology

The chemistry of life: macromolecules (large molecules such as proteins), enzymes, metabolism and hormone signalling, then DNA, gene expression and inherited disease.

Cells and macromolecules

• Action Potentials
• Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
• Biological Membranes
• Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
• Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
• G-Protein Coupled Receptors
• Introduction to DNA
• Introduction to the Cell
• Membrane Potentials
• Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
• Molecular Techniques for Medics
• Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
• Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
• Protein Targeting
• Structure of Proteins
• The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis

Metabolism, diet and control

• Alcohol Metabolism
• Dietary Energy Production
• Energy Reactions in Cells
• Energy Storage
• Glycolysis
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
• Lipid Metabolism and Transport
• Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
• Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
• Oxidative Stress
• Oxygen-dependent Pathway
• Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
• Purine and Pyrimidine Metabolism
• Temperature Regulation
• Vitamins, Cofactors, Minerals and Trace Elements
• An Introduction to Endocrinology

Genes and inherited disease

• DNA Repair and Cancer
• Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
• Gene Expression
• Genetic Testing and Counselling
• Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance
• Introduction to Gene Mutation
• Mitosis and Meiosis

Cell proliferation

• Introduction to Neoplasia

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics, Metabolism

An introduction to epidemiology and statistics, and to judging the quality of medical evidence.

Population and Social Science

• Evidence-Based Practice
• Epidemiological Studies
• Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
• Introduction to Population Science
• Population and Social Science Summary

From other subjects

• Research Methods in Pharmacology

Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+

Cultural and ethical aspects of healthcare and the medical profession: how people understand illness and how society shapes health.

Population and Social Science

• Models of Health
• Beliefs of the Public
• Health Economics
• Patient Safety and Quality Control

Patient-Centred Care

• Lifestyle Medicine
• Men's Health
• Ageing
• Palliative Care
• Child Safeguarding

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Population and Social Science, Patient-Centred Care

The mechanisms of disease: cell injury, inflammation, immunity, infection, tumours and vascular disease.

Disease processes

• Acute Inflammation
• An Introduction to Pathology
• Atherosclerosis
• Basics of Pathology
• Behaviour of Neoplasms
• Cellular Adaptations
• Chronic Inflammation
• Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
• Haemostasis and Clotting
• How to Read a Histology Slide
• Introduction to Neoplasia
• Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
• Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
• The Lymphatic System
• Thrombosis and Embolism

Immunity

• Food Allergy
• Hypersensitivity Reactions
• Immunological Therapies
• Introduction to Autoimmunity
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Type 1 Hypersensitivity
• Innate Immunity
• Adaptive Immunity

Infection

• An Introduction to Infection
• Antibiotics
• Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
• Biofilms
• Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
• Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
• Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
• Hepatitis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Principles of Medical Virology
• Sepsis
• Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
• Streptococci
• The Immunocompromised Host
• The Infection Model
• The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
• Travel-related Infections
• Antivirals

Genes, blood and cancer

• DNA Repair and Cancer
• Introduction to Gene Mutation
• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations
• Oxidative Stress
• Full Blood Count

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Pathology, Infection, Immunology

The head and neck, linked to common disease and the anatomy behind clinical examination.

Head and neck anatomy

• Anatomy of the Ear
• Autonomics of the Head and Neck
• Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
• Cranial Nerves I-VI
• Cranial Nerves VII-XII
• Development of the Head and Neck
• Ear Pathology
• Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
• Head and Neck Cancers
• Imaging of the Head and Neck
• Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
• Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
• The Eye
• The Larynx
• The Meninges
• The Nose
• The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
• The Skull
• The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

Examination guides

• Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
• Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
• Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
• Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
• Anterior Segment Eye OSCE Examination
• Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
• Nasal OSCE Examination
• Neck Lump OSCE Examination
• Thyroid Status OSCE Examination

Practice Head and Neck questions on SimpleMed+

The biology of reproduction in its social and ethical context: the menstrual cycle, puberty, fertility, pregnancy and reproductive loss.

Reproductive anatomy and physiology

• Anatomy of the Woman
• Anatomy of the Man
• The Pelvic Floor
• Development of the Reproductive System
• Gametogenesis
• Puberty
• The Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual Abnormalities
• Sex, Infertility and Contraception

Pregnancy and the newborn

• The Placenta
• Physiology of the Mother
• Physiology of the Fetus
• Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
• Labour and Delivery
• The Postpartum Period
• Teratology and Congenital Malformations
• Basics of Embryology
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening

Disease, cancer and the breast

• Infections of the Reproductive Tract
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Malignancies of the Reproductive Tract
• Introduction to the Breast
• Benign Conditions of the Breast
• Malignant Breast Disease
• The Menopause
• Male Urological Conditions
• Prostate Pathology
• Urological Malignancy

Genetics and inheritance

• Genetic Testing and Counselling
• Epigenetics, Genomic Imprinting and Mitochondrial Inheritance
• Genotype, Phenotype, and Inheritance

Examination guides

• Breast OSCE Examination
• Testicular OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology, Genetics

Drugs from receptors to whole-body effects: how the main classes act, how they are absorbed and cleared, and how they are used safely.

Pharmacology

• Adrenergic Pharmacology
• Anaesthetics
• Antibiotics
• Antiemetics and Laxatives
• Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
• Antivirals
• Cancer Chemotherapy
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• Cholinergic Pharmacology
• Diuretics and Renal Pharmacology
• Drugs Affecting Acid Secretion
• Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
• Hyperlipidaemias
• Hypertension and Heart Failure
• Immunosuppression and Disease-modifying Therapy
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Opioids
• Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
• Pharmacodynamics
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacology of Airway Control
• Pharmacology of Insulin
• Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
• Poisoning and STOPP/START (prescribing checklists for older people)
• Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
• Research Methods in Pharmacology
• Safe Prescribing

From other subjects

• Antibiotics

Practice Pharmacology questions on SimpleMed+

The structure and function of the brain and sense organs, and the basis of common neurological and behavioural problems.

Brain and nerves

• Basics of Neuroanatomy
• Cells and Components of the Nervous System
• Development of the Nervous System
• Arterial Supply to the Brain
• Production and Circulation of CSF and Related Disorders
• The Meninges
• Somatosensory System
• Motor System
• The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
• Reticular Formation
• The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
• Higher Cortical Function
• Autonomic Nervous System Introduction

Senses

• Visual System
• Auditory and Vestibular Systems
• The Eye
• Anatomy of the Ear

Neurological disease

• Stroke
• Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
• Raised Intracranial Pressure
• Headaches
• Movement Disorders
• Infections of the Central Nervous System
• Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
• Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis

Behaviour and psychology

• Dementia
• Delirium
• Mood Disorders
• Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
• Psychosis
• Introduction to Psychopharmacology

Examination guides

• Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Cerebellar OSCE Examination

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck

Patient contact placements, required for the Second MB (the exams you must pass to go on to the clinical course). Cambridge teaches examination skills in the clinical years, so these guides give an early start.

Browse every examination guide on the SimpleMed OSCE hub

Start here

• Index Conditions for OSCE exams
• Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
• Venepuncture and Blood Cultures OSCE Guide

Heart, lungs and circulation

• Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
• Respiratory System OSCE Examination
• Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
• Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination

Abdomen and groin

• Abdominal OSCE Examination
• Rectal (PR, per rectum) OSCE Examination
• Stoma OSCE Examination
• Hernia OSCE Examination
• Testicular OSCE Examination

Nervous system

• Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
• Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
• Cerebellar OSCE Examination

Joints and spine

• GALS Screening OSCE Examination
• Shoulder OSCE Examination
• Elbow OSCE Examination
• Hand and Wrist OSCE Examination
• Hip OSCE Examination
• Knee OSCE Examination
• Ankle and Foot OSCE Examination
• Spine OSCE Examination

Endocrine

• Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
• Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
• Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
• Acromegaly OSCE Examination

Eyes, ears, nose and neck

• Eye and Vision OSCE Examination
• Visual Acuity OSCE Assessment
• Fundoscopy (Ophthalmoscopy) OSCE Examination
• Anterior Segment Eye OSCE Examination
• Ear, Otoscopy and Hearing OSCE Examination
• Nasal OSCE Examination
• Neck Lump OSCE Examination

Skin, breast and lymph nodes

• Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
• Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
• Breast OSCE Examination
• Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination

Surface anatomy

• Anatomical Terms
• Key Areas of the Upper Limb
• Key Areas of the Lower Limb
• Dermatomes and Myotomes

Patients you will meet

• Falls
• Delirium
• Dementia
• Sepsis
• Sepsis in Paediatrics
• Child Immunisations
• Palliative Care

Practice questions on SimpleMed+: OSCE, Patient-Centred Care