Objective Mind mapping is a simple and effective visual learning tool. The objective of this study is to explore application effect of mind mapping teaching method in experimental teaching of medical histology and embryology. Methods Seventy-three students from two year 2015 classes who had the same educational programs participated in the study. Traditional teaching mode was used in the control class, while the experimental class was taught by mind mapping teaching method . Questionnaires were conducted for comparative analysis of the final grade of the two classes. Results There were a significant difference between the two classes in the teaching enlightenning and final grade of theory tests, and the experimental class had higher grades (P<0.05).Conclusion Compared with traditional teaching method , mind mapping is more novel, available, inspiring and divergent. Application of mind mapping in the experimental teaching of Medical Histology and Embryology may be an effective approach to improve medical students’ learning efficiency.