High-Yield Exam Mnemonics

Medexamium Dr.Myo
  1. “All Pre-ganglionic = ACh” (A-P-A).

Recall: Acetylcholine is the universal neurotransmitter at all preganglionic synapses (both sympathetic and parasympathetic) and at parasympathetic postganglionic endings.

  1. A-TROPINE blocks A-CetylCholine’s Toxic effects.

Recall: Atropine competitively blocks muscarinic receptors, counteracting the excess acetylcholine caused by organophosphate-induced cholinesterase inhibition.

  1. Hot as a hare, Blind as a bat, Dry as a bone, Red as a beet, Mad as a hatter.

Recall: Anticholinergics block muscarinic receptors, reducing secretions and causing dry mouth (xerostomia).

  1. Block the Ganglia = Blood drops when you stand.

Recall: Ganglion blockers prevent sympathetic vasoconstriction reflexes, causing orthostatic hypotension.

  1. OXY-metazoline OXYgenates the nose (clears it).

Recall: Oxymetazoline is an α1-agonist that causes nasal mucosal vasoconstriction, reducing congestion.

  1. A-M: Atenolol, Metoprolol = β1 selective (A to M in alphabet = 1).

Recall: Metoprolol preferentially blocks β1-receptors (heart) over β2-receptors (lungs), making it safer in patients with mild respiratory disease.

  1. CLONI-dine CLOses down sympathetic tone (central α2).

Recall: Clonidine is a central α2-agonist that reduces sympathetic outflow from the brainstem, lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

  1. VIN-cristine VINdicates against spindle formation.

Recall: Vincristine binds tubulin, preventing microtubule polymerization and arresting cells in metaphase.

  1. TAM-oxifen TAMes estrogen in the breast.

Recall: Tamoxifen is a SERM that antagonizes estrogen receptors in breast tissue while having agonist effects in bone and uterus.

  1. LATAN-oprost LATches open the uveoscleral drain.

Recall: Latanoprost is a PGF2α analogue that increases uveoscleral outflow, reducing intraocular pressure.

  1. IVERmectin lets chloride In, paralyzing inVERtebrates.

Recall: Ivermectin enhances GABA-gated chloride channels in parasites, causing hyperpolarization and paralysis.

  1. CALCI-potriol CALMs keratinocyte growth.

Recall: Calcipotriol (vitamin D3 analogue) inhibits keratinocyte proliferation and promotes differentiation, reducing psoriatic scale formation.

  1. B12 = Both Blood and Brain affected.

Recall: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia with subacute combined degeneration of spinal cord (neurological symptoms).

  1. CYCLO-sporine CYCLEs down T-cells.

Recall: Cyclosporine inhibits calcineurin in T lymphocytes, blocking IL-2 production and T-cell activation.

  1. AMINO-caproic = AMI for clot maintenance.

Recall: Aminocaproic acid (similar to tranexamic acid) inhibits fibrinolysis, helping maintain clots in hemophilia patients during surgeries.

  1. NSAIDs SAY NO to COX.

Recall: NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and/or COX-2), reducing prostaglandin synthesis responsible for inflammation, pain, and fever.

  1. CELEcoxib = CELEbrates COX-2 selectivity.

Recall: Celecoxib selectively inhibits COX-2 (inducible, inflammatory), sparing COX-1 (constitutive, gastroprotective).

  1. CalciTONin TONes down osteoclasts and calcium.

Recall: Calcitonin directly inhibits osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption and lowering serum calcium.

  1. ALLO-purinol = Anti-purine production (xanthine oxidase).

Recall: Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase, blocking conversion of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid.

  1. LEF-lunomide = LEFt out pyrimidines (blocked).

Recall: Leflunomide inhibits dihydroorotate dehydrogenase, blocking pyrimidine synthesis in rapidly dividing lymphocytes.

  1. ROC-uronium ROCKs the receptor without depolarizing.

Recall: Rocuronium is a non-depolarizing (competitive) blocker that competes with ACh at nicotinic receptors without causing depolarization.

  1. CYCLO-benzaprine CYCLEs down spasm centrally.

Recall: Cyclobenzaprine is a centrally acting muscle relaxant structurally related to tricyclic antidepressants.

  1. COAL TAR slows the COAL-ony of keratinocytes.

Recall: Coal tar reduces keratinocyte proliferation and has anti-inflammatory effects in psoriasis.

  1. “SNoW DRoP” – Southern=DNA, Northern=RNA, Western=Protein.

Recall: Southern blot detects DNA fragments.

  1. “Malignant = Moves” (metastasizes).

Recall: Metastasis is the defining hallmark of malignancy.

  1. HER2 = HER breast cancer.

Recall: HER2/NEU (ERBB2) is amplified in ~20% of breast cancers and is a therapeutic target.

  1. “In Situ = In place” (hasn’t moved).

Recall: Carcinoma in situ shows full-thickness dysplasia but intact basement membrane–no invasion.

  1. SCD = Six, Glu to Val.

Recall: Sickle cell anemia has glutamic acid replaced by valine at position 6 of β-globin chain (HbS).

  1. G6PD = Guards against oxidative damage.

Recall: G6PD generates NADPH needed to reduce glutathione, which protects RBCs from oxidative stress.

  1. Iron = small and pale cells.

Recall: Iron deficiency causes decreased hemoglobin synthesis, producing small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic) RBCs.

  1. Schilling = Seeking B12 absorption problem.

Recall: Schilling test differentiates causes of B12 deficiency by measuring urinary excretion of radiolabeled B12.

  1. CML starts Calm (Chronic phase).

Recall: CML usually presents in chronic phase with leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and <10% blasts.

  1. Imatinib = I Match ABL.

Recall: Imatinib specifically inhibits BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, the product of Philadelphia chromosome translocation in CML.

  1. ALL = Affects Little Lymphocytes (children).

Recall: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is most common pediatric malignancy (peak 2–5 years).

  1. 14+18=32, 3-2=1, Follicular = First lymphoma to know.

Recall: T(14;18) places BCL-2 under immunoglobulin heavy chain promoter, overexpressing anti-apoptotic BCL-2 in follicular lymphoma.

  1. Rouleaux = Roll of coins = protein Rolling in myeloma.

Recall: Rouleaux (stacked coin appearance) forms due to high serum proteins (M-protein) in myeloma, reducing RBC negative charge and causing aggregation.

  1. MALT = Must treat H. pylori.

Recall: Gastric MALT lymphoma arises from chronic H. pylori infection stimulating B-cells.

  1. Arthus = Antigen-antibody complexes (Type III).

Recall: Arthus reaction is localized Type III hypersensitivity with immune complex deposition in vessel walls causing vasculitis.

  1. MAC = Makes A Channel (C5b-9).

Recall: MAC (C5b-C9) creates pores in target cell membranes causing lysis.

  1. Central = Cuts out self-reactive clones.

Recall: Central tolerance deletes self-reactive T-cells (thymus) and B-cells (bone marrow) during development.

  1. Osteo-SAR-coma = SAR = Site At RGP (rapidly growing plates = metaphysis).

Recall: Osteosarcoma typically arises in the metaphysis of long bones (distal femur, proximal tibia) in adolescents during growth spurts.

  1. Giant cell = Gets to the End (epiphysis).

Recall: Giant cell tumor (osteoclastoma) arises in the epiphysis of long bones after growth plate closure (20–40 years), often at knee.

  1. Gout = Yellow/Negative needles.

Recall: Gout shows monosodium urate crystals–needle-shaped, negatively birefringent (yellow parallel to axis).

  1. Auspitz = scrAping psoriasis causes bleeding.

Recall: Auspitz sign is pinpoint bleeding when psoriatic scales are scraped off, due to dilated capillaries in elongated dermal papillae.

  1. “18 to operate, 18 to intoxicate” – the legal adult age applies to both driving and purchasing poisons in many jurisdictions.

Recall: The Poison Act 1919 mandates that poisons cannot be sold to anyone under 18 years of age.

  1. “IV = Immediate Venom” – direct bloodstream access means fastest action.

Recall: Intravenous administration delivers poison directly into the bloodstream, bypassing all absorption barriers and producing immediate systemic effects.

  1. “Stomach = First Stop” – poison enters through the stomach first in most cases.

Recall: Stomach contents and wall are priority samples as they contain unabsorbed poison and show direct corrosive effects.

  1. “A-PAM for OP-SPAM” – Atropine + PAM for OrganoPhosphate Poisoning.

Recall: Atropine blocks muscarinic effects while Pralidoxime (2-PAM) reactivates inhibited acetylcholinesterase.

  1. “SLUDGE makes you wet and messy” – all secretions increase in OP poisoning.

Recall: SLUDGE (Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination, Defecation, GI distress, Emesis) represents muscarinic effects of cholinergic excess in organophosphate poisoning.

  1. “Whole Brain, Whole Death” – complete brain including brainstem must be non-functional.

Recall: Brain death requires irreversible cessation of ALL brain functions including the brainstem.

  1. “Cadaveric Catches the last act” – instantly freezes the dying moment.

Recall: Cadaveric spasm (instantaneous rigor) occurs immediately at death without prior relaxation, preserving the last ante-mortem posture.

  1. “Right Lower Quadrant = Right Lower First” – cecum causes first green change.

Recall: Greenish discoloration appears first over the right iliac fossa due to proximity of cecum (containing most bacteria) to the surface.

  1. “Adipocere needs Water and Warmth” – like making soap, needs moisture and heat.

Recall: Adipocere requires warm, moist, anaerobic conditions for saponification to occur.

  1. “Ex-HUME = Exit from the ground” – body is removed from grave.

Recall: Exhumation is the legal process of disinterring (digging up) a buried body for medicolegal examination when new evidence emerges or foul play is suspected.

  1. “Blood and Bottles” – infections from blood, burns from bottles of chemicals.

Recall: Autopsy personnel face risk of blood-borne infections (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, tuberculosis) and chemical exposure (formalin used for preservation).

  1. “O = Offers to all” – O type gives to everyone.

Recall: Group O has no A or B antigens on RBCs, so it can be transfused to any ABO group without causing agglutination reaction.

  1. CarbaChol = Complete (M+N) Cholinergic action.

Recall: Carbachol is a direct-acting cholinergic agonist with both muscarinic and nicotinic receptor activity; its quaternary ammonium structure prevents CNS penetration.

  1. EDROphonium = Emergency Diagnosis, Rapid Onset.

Recall: Edrophonium (Tensilon test) is an ultra-short-acting (2–10 minutes) AChE inhibitor used diagnostically for myasthenia gravis.

  1. Pseudo = Plasma & Produced by liver.

Recall: Pseudocholinesterase (butyrylcholinesterase) is synthesized in the liver and circulates in plasma.

  1. TROPicamide = TROPs out quickly (temporary).

Recall: Tropicamide has lower receptor binding affinity compared to atropine, allowing quick dissociation from muscarinic receptors and short duration (4–6 hours vs. days for atropine).

  1. BENZtropine BENds into the Brain for Parkinson’s.

Recall: Benztropine is a centrally acting antimuscarinic used in Parkinson’s disease to reduce tremor and rigidity by restoring dopamine-ACh balance in the basal ganglia.

  1. PHYSOstigmine FIXes the brain PHYSICALLY (crosses BBB).

Recall: Physostigmine is a tertiary amine AChE inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier, reversing both central (confusion, hallucinations) and peripheral anticholinergic effects.

  1. HEXAmethonium HEX’d autonomic ganglia (blocked everything).

Recall: Hexamethonium was one of the first ganglionic blockers used for severe hypertension but caused numerous side effects (orthostatic hypotension, constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth) due to non-selective autonomic blockade.

  1. Epi = Everything: Alpha squeezes vessels, Beta-2 opens airways, Beta-1 pumps heart.

Recall: Epinephrine’s actions in anaphylaxis: Alpha-1 causes vasoconstriction (reverses hypotension, reduces edema), Beta-2 causes bronchodilation (reverses bronchospasm), and Beta-1 increases cardiac output (supports blood pressure).

  1. AlBUTerol = Acute Breathing Trouble relief.

Recall: Albuterol (salbutamol) is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) with rapid onset (minutes) and short duration (4–6 hours), ideal for acute bronchospasm rescue.

  1. Tyramine + MAOI = Try-to-mine NE stores → explosive release.

Recall: Tyramine is an indirect sympathomimetic that releases stored norepinephrine from nerve terminals.

  1. PraZOSin = Prostate + pressure ZOned Out (alpha-1 blockade).

Recall: Prazosin is a selective alpha-1 blocker that causes vasodilation (lowering BP) and relaxes prostatic/urethral smooth muscle (improving BPH symptoms).

  1. Clonidine withdrawal = Sympathetic storm (the brake is suddenly released).

Recall: Chronic clonidine use suppresses central sympathetic outflow.

  1. Tamoxifen = antagonist in TAtas (breasts), agonist elsewhere.

Recall: Tamoxifen acts as an estrogen antagonist in breast tissue, blocking ER-positive breast cancer cell proliferation.

  1. LeucOVORin = Leaps OVER the blocked enzyme, delivers folate.

Recall: Leucovorin (folinic acid/5-formyl-THF) is a reduced folate that bypasses the methotrexate-inhibited dihydrofolate reductase, providing cells with THF for DNA/RNA synthesis.

  1. ALPROStadil = Allows blood to FLOW and Prospers circulation.

Recall: Alprostadil (PGE1) causes direct vasodilation by increasing cAMP in vascular smooth muscle and inhibits platelet aggregation, improving blood flow in ischemic limbs.

  1. TRETinoin TREATs comedones by normalizing keratinocytes.

Recall: Tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) is a topical retinoid that normalizes follicular keratinization, prevents comedone formation, and enhances cell turnover.

  1. IVERmectin = InVites mites to paralysis (GABA overload).

Recall: Oral ivermectin is highly effective for crusted scabies when topical treatments fail due to heavy mite burden and poor penetration into thick crusts.

  1. ADALimumab = ADds relief for Arthritis and PLAques (TNF-α block).

Recall: Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against TNF-α, effective for both RA and psoriasis.

  1. “WHO tells WHAT to do” – WHO sets guidelines and standards; others implement and fund.

Recall: WHO provides technical guidelines, disease surveillance coordination, and policy frameworks for EPI globally.

  1. “Different colors, different times, different story” – varied bruise colors indicate repeated abuse episodes.

Recall: Multiple bruises at different healing stages indicate repeated injuries over time – a hallmark of non-accidental trauma.

  1. “See and Treat” – VIA allows immediate visualization and same-day cryotherapy.

Recall: VIA provides instant visual results, enabling “screen-and-treat” in single visits – critical where follow-up is poor.

  1. “Roti and chai steal iron away” – phytates and tannins inhibit iron absorption.

Recall: Pakistani diets rely on unleavened wheat bread (roti) and tea, both high in phytates and tannins that inhibit iron absorption.

  1. “OPV = Only in Polar temperatures” – OPV needs freezing, most sensitive to heat.

Recall: OPV is most heat-sensitive, requiring -15 to -25°C for storage; it loses potency rapidly above +8°C.

  1. “Crossed legs, crushed knees and veins” – floor sitting damages lower extremities.

Recall: Prolonged cross-legged sitting causes sustained knee flexion stress leading to cartilage damage and osteoarthritis.

  1. “CP = Cerebral affects Physical movement” – motor impairment is the hallmark.

Recall: Cerebral palsy primarily affects motor function, posture, and movement – classified as locomotor/physical disability.

  1. “Seatbelts save during Smash” – protective during the crash event.

Recall: Seatbelts prevent injury during the crash by restraining occupants – an event-phase intervention.

  1. “Passive = Protection built in” – safe design prevents injury without requiring action.

Recall: Passive prevention requires no active decision-making – safer stove design inherently prevents burns.

  1. “P Protects from Passive smoking” – smoke-free policies protect non-smokers.

Recall: MPOWER stands for: Monitor tobacco use, Protect from smoke (smoke-free policies), Offer cessation help, Warn about dangers, Enforce bans on advertising, Raise taxes. “P” specifically means protecting people from secondhand smoke through smoke-free public spaces.

  1. “OPV = Only in Polar/freezer” – OPV alone goes in the freezer.

Recall: OPV requires freezer storage (-15 to -25°C) as the live attenuated poliovirus is extremely heat-sensitive.

  1. Grade = How ugly; Stage = How far.

Recall: Tumor grading evaluates the degree of cellular differentiation and mitotic activity (how abnormal cells appear), while staging (e.g., TNM system) assesses anatomical spread including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastases.

  1. Methotrexate Murders Folate → Megaloblasts.

Recall: Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, depleting active folate (tetrahydrofolate) required for thymidine synthesis and DNA replication.

  1. DIC = Death Is Coming – everything is consumed.

Recall: DIC shows consumption of platelets and clotting factors (prolonged PT/aPTT), low fibrinogen, elevated D-dimer (fibrin degradation), and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (schistocytes).

  1. G6PD = Gone 6 Pills, Destroyed (hemolysis after drugs).

Recall: G6PD deficiency causes oxidative hemolysis triggered by drugs (primaquine, sulfonamides), infections, or fava beans.

  1. TdT = Totally immature, Think ALL.

Recall: B-ALL is the most common childhood malignancy, characterized by TdT+ (immature) lymphoblasts expressing B-cell markers (CD10, CD19, CD22).

  1. CCP = Citrulline Catches Polyarthritis (RA).

Recall: Anti-CCP antibodies are highly specific (>95%) for rheumatoid arthritis and are associated with erosive disease.

  1. Strep M protein Mimics Myocardium.

Recall: Acute rheumatic fever results from molecular mimicry where antibodies against Group A Streptococcus M protein cross-react with cardiac myosin, valve glycoproteins, and neuronal tissue.

  1. Osteo = Osteoid production + Sunburst.

Recall: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy in adolescents, arising in the metaphysis of long bones.

  1. Chondrosarcoma = Cartilage + Calcification like Popcorn.

Recall: Chondrosarcoma is a malignant cartilage-producing tumor common in the pelvis, proximal femur, and shoulder. “Popcorn” calcifications are characteristic.

  1. Psoriasis = Plaques with Parakeratosis + Pits in nails.

Recall: Psoriasis shows characteristic silvery scales, well-demarcated plaques, and nail pitting.

  1. SCC = Sun-damaged skin + Squamous cells making Keratin pearls.

Recall: Squamous cell carcinoma arises from chronically sun-damaged skin or mucosa (especially lower lip).

  1. Molluscum = Molluscoid (umbilicated) with Molluscum bodies.

Recall: Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection presenting as umbilicated papules.

  1. Delayed = Days later, DAT positive, Duffy/Kidd antibodies.

Recall: Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction occurs days to weeks after transfusion due to anamnestic response to minor RBC antigens (Kidd, Duffy, Kell).

  1. Well-diff liposarcoma = looks like fat BUT with atypia.

Recall: Well-differentiated liposarcoma (atypical lipomatous tumor) shows mature adipocytes with nuclear atypia, scattered lipoblasts, and fibrous septa.

  1. “Pilo-CARpine CARes for the eye” (muscarinic effect on pupils).

Recall: Pilocarpine is a direct-acting muscarinic agonist used in glaucoma to cause miosis and reduce intraocular pressure.