DITTIES

Our memories are stronger for words set to to music or rhythm, a reason for the effectiveness of advertising jingles.  For instance, in remembering the cervical nerves that elevate the diaphragm, the ditty is  “C3,4,5 keep the diaphragm alive.”

And, in recognition of “poor dendal” (pudendal nerve) from the previous blog: “S,2,3,4 keeps the penis off the floor.”

There is not enough space on this blog to list all the excellent ditties and other mnemonics in medicine, but you can find an extensive list by googling "medical mnemonics."