Anatomical Regions Guide
Region-by-region study map for First FRCR Anatomy. High-yield landmarks on radiographs and cross-sectional imaging across MSK, chest, neuro, abdomen, head & neck, and more.
MSK & Chest
Bones, joints, soft-tissue landmarks, and thoracic anatomy on plain film and CT
Musculoskeletal
Upper limb
Shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand — tuberosities, fossae, carpal arcs, and tendon insertions commonly labelled on FRCR radiographs.
Lower limb & pelvis
Hip lines, femoral neck anatomy, knee compartments, ankle mortise, and pelvic rings on AP and lateral projections.
Study tip
Drill one joint complex per session with multiple projections. Name every labelled structure before checking answers.
Chest & thorax
Mediastinum & hila
Trachea, carina, azygos, pulmonary arteries, and mediastinal lines on PA/lateral chest radiographs.
Lobes, fissures & diaphragm
Fissure positions, costophrenic angles, and diaphragmatic contours — frequent First FRCR Anatomy labels.
Study tip
Pair PA and lateral views of the same case. Trace fissures and mediastinal borders systematically every time.
Neuro & Abdomen
Cross-sectional landmarks and visceral anatomy tested on labelled cases
Neuroradiology
Brain & skull base
Lobes, ventricles, basal cisterns, and cranial fossae on CT/MRI slices used in anatomy banks.
Spine
Vertebral levels, pedicles, facet joints, discs, and cord/canal relationships on XR and sagittal CT/MRI.
Study tip
Learn axial landmarks relative to fixed references (sylvian fissure, foramen magnum, C1–C2).
Abdomen & pelvis
Solid organs & vessels
Liver segments, porta hepatis, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and major arterial/venous landmarks.
Bowel & peritoneal spaces
Stomach, duodenum, colon flexures, and common peritoneal recesses on CT and fluoroscopic series.
Study tip
Rotate through portal venous CT slices level-by-level; name structures before reading the stem.
Head & Neck, Pelvis & More
Additional high-yield regions for First FRCR Anatomy labelled cases
Head & neck
Facial skeleton & sinuses
Orbit, zygoma, mandible, paranasal sinuses, and TMJ on plain film and CT.
Soft tissues & spaces
Pharyngeal spaces, salivary glands, thyroid, and cervical levels commonly labelled in anatomy exams.
Study tip
Use coronal and axial CT pairs; map each space to neighbouring vessels and muscles.
Pelvis, breast & vascular
Pelvis & perineum
Bony pelvis, pelvic floor, reproductive organs, and perineal landmarks on XR/CT/MRI.
Breast & vascular
Mammographic anatomy planes and major arterial/venous territories relevant to labelled stems.
Study tip
Keep a short “must-name” list per region and revisit Bookmarks weekly until recall is automatic.
Weekly region rotation
A simple cadence that keeps every anatomical region exam-ready
Days 1–2
MSK upper & lower limb labelled radiographs; 20–30 cases with explanations.
Days 3–4
Chest/thorax and abdomen/pelvis; mix plain film with CT levels.
Days 5–6
Neuro and head & neck; finish with Bookmarks from earlier in the week.
High-yield checklist
First FRCR Anatomy — region priorities
| Region | Modalities | Focus | Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSK | XR, CT, MRI | Bones, joints, soft tissue | Daily labelling |
| Chest | XR, CT | Mediastinum, fissures, hila | PA + lateral pairs |
| Neuro | CT, MRI | Brain, skull base, spine | Axial landmark drills |
| Abdomen | CT, XR, fluoro | Organs, vessels, spaces | Level-by-level CT |
| Head & neck | CT, XR, MRI | Spaces, sinuses, glands | Coronal + axial pairs |
Master regions with labelled cases
Use this guide with FRCRX Anatomy cases and radiograph labelling practice to build exam-ready recall.