Lancaster Medical School Years 1 and 2 Cheat Sheet
Lancaster's Foundation Block and our own grouping of the body systems for Years 1 and 2, with the SimpleMed articles that cover them. Find your block, open the articles, revise.
- 2 years
- 15 units
- 356 SimpleMed articles
Independent guide, not endorsed by Lancaster Medical School. About this page
Year 1, teaching blocks
Year 1 examsFoundation Block
68 articles
The opening block, with first looks at cells, genes, tissues, disease, infection and drugs.
Cell Physiology and Biology
- Introduction to the Cell
- Biological Membranes
- Structure of Proteins
- Enzymes and Regulation of Protein Function
- Protein Targeting
- Post-translational Modification and Collagen Biosynthesis
- Introduction to DNA
- The Cell Cycle, Checkpoints and Apoptosis
- Molecular Techniques for Medics
- Protein Function in Oxygen Transport
- Membrane Transport and Intracellular Calcium Regulation
- Membrane Potentials
- Action Potentials
- G-Protein Coupled Receptors
- Enzyme-linked and Intracellular Receptor Signalling
- Autonomic Nervous System Introduction
Metabolism
- Alcohol Metabolism
- Dietary Energy Production
- Energy Reactions in Cells
- Energy Storage
- Glycolysis
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
Genetics
- 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
Pathology
- How to Read a Histology Slide
- Epithelium, Skin and Exocrine Glands
- Acute Inflammation
- An Introduction to Pathology
- Atherosclerosis
- Basics of Pathology
- Behaviour of Neoplasms
- Cellular Adaptations
- Chronic Inflammation
- Haemostasis and Clotting
- Introduction to Neoplasia
- Pathogenesis of Neoplasms
- Regeneration and Repair of Tissues
- Thrombosis and Embolism
Musculoskeletal System
- Connective Tissue
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Structure of Bones
- Structure of the Muscles
- Anatomical Terms
Infection
- An Introduction to Infection
- The Infection Model
- Bacterial Structure, Classification and Growth
- Biofilms
- Gram Staining and Infection Investigations
- Streptococci
- Staphylococci and Other Gram-positive Bacteria
- Gram-negative Bacteria: Structure, Entry Routes and Endotoxin
- The Organisms Gram Staining Misses
- Principles of Medical Virology
- Fungi and Parasites: The Eukaryotic Pathogens
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
Population and Social Science
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Cell Physiology and Biology, Genetics
Cardiovascular system
30 articles
How the heart and vessels work, are examined and fail, with the drugs and tests used.
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Embryological Development of the CVS (cardiovascular system)
- The Cardiac Cycle
- Cardiac Conduction and Contraction
- Control of Cardiac Output
- Pulses and Pressures
- Special Circulations
- Electrocardiograms
- Electrocardiogram Pathology
- Murmurs
- Hypertension
- Acute Coronary Syndrome
- Heart Failure
- Artery and Vein Disease
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Haemodynamic Shock
- Cardiovascular Drugs
Pathology
Pharmacology
- Hypertension and Heart Failure
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants and Thrombolysis
- Hyperlipidaemias
OSCE
- Cardiovascular System OSCE Examination
- Peripheral Vascular OSCE Examination
- Blood Pressure Measurement OSCE Guide
- Varicose Vein OSCE Examination
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Respiratory system
19 articles
Breathing, gas exchange and control, lung function tests and the main airway, lung and pleural diseases.
Respiratory System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Ventilation and Lung Mechanics
- Properties of Gas Exchange
- Carbon Dioxide Transport
- Chemical Control of Breathing and Plasma pH
- Lung Function Testing
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Tuberculosis
- Bronchiectasis and Cystic Fibrosis
- Pneumothorax and Pleural Effusion
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Lung Cancer
- Respiratory Failure
From other subjects
Musculoskeletal system
50 articles
Bones, joints, muscles and nerves of the limbs and spine, with injuries, arthritis and examination of each joint.
Musculoskeletal System
- 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
OSCE
- GALS (gait, arms, legs, spine) 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
From other subjects
Renal and urinary system
23 articles
How the kidney filters and balances water, salt and acid, and the diseases of kidney, bladder and prostate.
Urinary System
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Development of the Urinary System
- The Nephron
- Glomerular Filtration Rate and the Measurement of Kidney Function
- The Glomerulus: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
- Control of Plasma Osmolarity
- Control of Plasma Volume
- Control of Potassium
- Micturition
- Hyponatraemia
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Glomerular Disease
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Urinary Tract Obstruction
- Urinary Incontinence
- Male Urological Conditions
- Prostate Pathology
- Urological Malignancy
- Diuretics
From other subjects
Year 2, teaching blocks
Year 2 examsGut, liver and nutrition
38 articles
Digestion, absorption and the liver and pancreas, then bowel, liver and nutritional disease.
Gastrointestinal 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
- Gastrointestinal Motility and the Enteric Nervous System
- Gastrointestinal Secretion, Digestion and Absorption
- Liver, Biliary and Exocrine Pancreatic Physiology
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Intestinal Pathology
- Distal Gastrointestinal Tract Pathology
- Hepatic, Biliary and Pancreatic Pathology
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy
- Gastrointestinal Emergencies
Metabolism
- 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
OSCE
- Abdominal OSCE Examination
- Rectal (PR, per rectum) OSCE Examination
- Stoma OSCE Examination
- Hernia OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Gastrointestinal System, Metabolism
Endocrine system
18 articles
The hormone axes, diabetes and the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and calcium disorders.
Endocrinology
- 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
- Metabolic and Endocrine Regulation
- Temperature Regulation
- Nutrition, Diet and Body Weight
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism and Newborn Screening
OSCE
- Thyroid Status OSCE Examination
- Diabetic Foot OSCE Examination
- Cushing's Syndrome OSCE Examination
- Acromegaly OSCE Examination
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Endocrinology, Metabolism
Reproduction and pregnancy
27 articles
Reproductive anatomy and cycles, pregnancy, birth and the breast, plus gynaecological and sexual health conditions.
Reproductive System
- 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
- The Placenta
- Physiology of the Mother
- Physiology of the Fetus
- Diseases of the Mother in Pregnancy
- Labour and Delivery
- The Postpartum Period
- The Menopause
- 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
From other subjects
- Teratology and Congenital Malformations
- Basics of Embryology
- Reproductive and Post-reproductive Health
- Breast OSCE Examination
- Men's Health
- Prostate Pathology
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Reproductive System, Embryology
Nervous system and mental health
63 articles
The brain, cranial nerves and senses, then neurological and psychiatric disease and the drugs used.
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
- 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
- Somatosensory System
- Motor System
- The Cerebellum: Circuits, Coordination and Clinical Signs
- Reticular Formation
- The Hypothalamus and Limbic System
- Higher Cortical Function
- Visual System
- Auditory and Vestibular Systems
- Stroke
- Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
- Raised Intracranial Pressure
- Headaches
- Movement Disorders
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Mood Disorders
- Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
- Psychosis
Head and Neck
- The Meninges
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- Development of the Head and Neck
- Ear Pathology
- Lymph Nodes and Neck Lumps
- Head and Neck Cancers
- Imaging of the Head and Neck
Pharmacology
- Epilepsy and Anti-epileptic Drugs
- Parkinson's Disease and Myasthenia Gravis
- Introduction to Psychopharmacology
- Cholinergic Pharmacology
- Adrenergic Pharmacology
- Anaesthetics
Cell Physiology and Biology
OSCE
- Cranial Nerve OSCE Examination
- Upper Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Lower Limb Neurological OSCE Examination
- Cerebellar 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
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry, Head and Neck
Blood, immunity and infection
41 articles
Blood disorders, the immune system in health and disease, and the microbes, tests and drugs of infection.
Haematology
- 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
Infection
- Innate Immunity
- Adaptive Immunity
- The Immunocompromised Host
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Sepsis
- Hepatitis
- Travel-related Infections
- Antibiotics
Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions
- Type 1 Hypersensitivity
- Food Allergy
- Introduction to Autoimmunity
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Immunological Therapies
Pharmacology
OSCE
- Lymphoreticular OSCE Examination
- Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
- Rash and Non-Pigmented Skin Lesion OSCE Examination
From other subjects
- The Lymphatic System
- Tuberculosis
- Pneumonia and other Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Infections of the Central Nervous System
- Gastroenteritis and Enterocolitis
- Infections of the Reproductive Tract
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Child Immunisations
- Sepsis in Paediatrics
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Haematology, Immunology, Infection
Throughout Years 1 and 2
Epidemiology and evidence-based medicine
10 articles
The population theme: measuring disease, designing and reading studies, and weighing evidence and cost.
Population and Social Science
- Introduction to Population Science
- Epidemiological Studies
- Describing Data and Testing Hypotheses
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Population and Social Science Summary
- Health Economics
From other subjects
- Research Methods in Pharmacology
- Child Immunisations
- Travel-related Infections
- Genetic Testing and Counselling
Practice Population and Social Science questions on SimpleMed+
Psychology and sociology of health and illness
12 articles
How beliefs, behaviour and social circumstances shape illness, care and outcomes, plus mental health in practice.
Patient-Centred Care
Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
From other subjects
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Patient-Centred Care, Neuroanatomy and Psychiatry
Professionalism and professional life skills
7 articles
Medical ethics and law, patient safety, safeguarding and safe prescribing: the habits of a trustworthy doctor.
Pharmacology
- Safe Prescribing
- Poisoning and STOPP/START (medication review tool for older adults)
- Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacogenetics
From other subjects
Clinical anatomy
63 articles
Sessions in the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, with digital dissection tables.
Limbs and spine
- Anatomical Terms
- Basics of Bone Anatomy
- Structure of Bones
- Cartilage: Structure, Growth and Repair
- Connective Tissue
- Joints
- Structure of the Muscles
- Muscles in Action
- Development of the Limbs and Body Wall
- Dermatomes and Myotomes
- Bones of the Upper Limb
- Bones of the Hand
- Key Areas of the Upper Limb
- Muscles of the Shoulder
- Muscles of the Upper Arm
- Muscles of the Forearm
- The Brachial Plexus
- Bones of the Lower Limb
- Bones of the Foot
- Key Areas of the Lower Limb
- Muscles of the Gluteal Region
- Muscles of the Thigh
- Muscles of the Lower Leg
- The Lumbar Plexus
- The Sacral Plexus
- The Spine
- Conditions of the Back and Neck
- Conditions of the Lower Back
Head, neck and brain
- Introduction to Head & Neck Anatomy
- The Skull
- Fascial Planes, Muscles and Triangles
- Blood Supply to the Head and Neck
- Autonomics of the Head and Neck
- Cranial Nerves I-VI
- Cranial Nerves VII-XII
- The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
- The Oral Cavity and Pharynx
- The Nose
- The Larynx
- The Eye
- Anatomy of the Ear
- The Meninges
- Development of the Head and Neck
- 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
Chest, abdomen and pelvis
- Anatomy of the Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy of the Respiratory System
- Abdominal Wall and Inguinal Canal
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Foregut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Midgut
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Hindgut
- Anatomy of the Kidneys, Bladder and Urethra
- Anatomy of the Woman
- Anatomy of the Man
- The Pelvic Floor
Development
- Embryological Development of the CVS
- Development of the Respiratory System
- Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract
- Development of the Urinary System
- Development of the Reproductive System
Practice questions on SimpleMed+: Musculoskeletal System, Head and Neck, Embryology
Communication and clinical skills
40 articles
Communication with simulated patients (actors who play patients), history taking and examinations.
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) 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
How Lancaster assesses Years 1 and 2
- Each year has summative assessments, the ones that count towards your progression. Formative assessments are for practice: they give you feedback and get you used to the exam style.
- OSCEs test clinical and communication skills, which you practise with simulated patients. Placements start in Year 2.
- Gateway Year students (A104, the six-year route with an extra preparatory first year) first take six core modules, such as 'Molecules to Cells' and 'Anatomy and Physiology'. The cell, genetics and infection articles here also fit the bioscience modules.
- Lancaster Medical School publishes the official dates and formats. Always check your own course materials.
Test yourself
Reading is half of revision. Each unit above links to matching single best answer questions on SimpleMed+.
SimpleMed+ Encyclopaedia
Hard topics, made short and simple
A free bank of short and simple explanations of complex topics, with memory aids, in bitesize pages. Each one links to the SimpleMed+ questions that test it and to the core knowledge your exams expect.
- Bitesize explanations
- Memory aids
- Linked to the question bank
Getting ready for clinical
Years 3 to 5 are clinical, with placements in hospitals, general practice and other community settings, after your first placements in Year 2.
This is an independent revision guide written by SimpleMed. It is not endorsed by, or affiliated with, Lancaster Medical School or Lancaster University. The Foundation Block and the themes of epidemiology and evidence-based medicine, psychology and sociology of health and illness, and professionalism and professional life skills follow Lancaster's published course. Lancaster publishes no other block names and does not say which year each body system falls in. Those block names and years, the clinical anatomy and communication groupings, and the article mapping are our own. Last updated October 2026.
