1. Knowledge Base
  2. RANZCR Anatomy Syllabus

RANZCR Anatomy Syllabus

Colour Key

Category 1
Critical anatomical structures

Must recognise and interpret. Must know and explain.

Category 2
Important anatomical structures

Must recognise, must know.

Category 3
Critical anatomical structures

Good to recognise, good to know.

Full Description
Category 1
Critical anatomical structures
Must recognise and interpret, must know and explain.

These structures comprise core basic radiologic anatomy, and a deficiency of anatomical knowledge and skills for these structures will jeopardise a radiology trainee’s ability to perform to a satisfactory level during radiology training.

Projectional identification: identifies confidently on all common projectional modalities,
recognises normal variants and knows range of normality, can identify and point out expected location, shape and size even if not visible, and the adjacent category 1 structures.

Cross sectional identification: identifies confidently on all common cross-sectional modalities, in standard radiological planes and any dedicated planes (straight or curved) commonly used for that structure, recognises normal variants and knows range of normality, can trace
structure from plane to plane in an interactive stack; can identify and point out expected location, shape and size even if not visible, and the adjacent category 1 structures; can point out this expected location and size in a interactive scrolling stack.

Knowledge base: can give a structured coherent verbal account (oral or written) of the anatomical structure in language applicable to radiology reporting and to interspecialty
communication; this includes all common and important anatomical characteristics of the structure, for example course, parts, relations, distribution, etc. Knows and can concisely describe normal anatomical variants, particularly those that endanger the structure or other
structures, and those that simulate disease. Can draw a basic diagram (artistic skills not required) to illustrate key morphology, internal composition and external relations of the structure in a way applicable to radiology image analysis and identification.

Category 2
Important anatomical structures
Must recognise, must know.

Anatomical structures in this category must be known for competent generalist radiologist performance. For radiology trainees at the beginning of radiology training, anatomical knowledge of these structures is needed to permit the acquisition of skills and knowledge of imaging manifestations of disease.

Projectional identification: identifies confidently on all common projectional modalities, recognises normal variants, can differentiate normal from abnormal appearance, can describe and point out the nearest category 1 structures to which it relates when not visible.

SAME AS FOR CATEGORY 1 STRUCTURES.

Cross sectional identification: identifies confidently on all common cross sectional modalities in key working standard planes (transverse and coronal), recognises normal variants, can differentiate normal from abnormal appearance, can describe and point out the nearest
category 1 structures to which it relates when not visible. Knowledge base: can give a concise, coherent verbal account (oral or written) of the anatomical structure in language applicable to radiology reporting and to interspeciality communication; this includes all the clinically
important anatomical characteristics of the structure, for example course, area of supply, location of vulnerability, functional anatomy. Knows and can concisely describe
clinically important anatomical variants, particularly those that endanger the structure or those that simulate disease.

Category 3
Useful radiologic anatomical structures
Good to recognise, good to know.

Anatomical structures in this category must be known to category 2 level for satisfactory sub-specialist radiology performance. A radiology trainee at the end of radiology training would not be expected to know these structures to category 2 level, but is aware of their existence. A
radiology trainee at the beginning of radiology training is unlikely to know these structures.

Projectional identification: with increasing training and experience able to identify on all common projectional modalities on which it is visible, and distinguish normal structure from abnormality of either this or other structures.

Cross sectional identification: with increasing training and experience able to identify on all common crosssectional modalities on which it is visible in key working standard planes (transverse and coronal), and distinguish normal structure from abnormality of either this or other structures.

Knowledge base: with increasing training and experience aware of the structure’s existence, name, and functional anatomy.

Head and Neck

1. Intracranial Cavity (Extra Axial)

Anterior Cranial Fossa

• Ethmoid bone
• Frontal bone & sinus
• Sphenoid: Lesser wing
• Olfactory bulb and tract
• Meningeal coverings
• Crista galli
Nil

Middle Cranial Fossa

• Sphenoid body, greater wing
& sinus
• Temporal bone & apex
• Middle meningeal artery
• Foramina of middle cranial fossa & contents
– Optic canal
– Superior orbital fissure
– Foramen rotundum
– Foramen ovale
– Carotid canal

• Meningeal coverings
• Vidian canal
• Foramen spinosum
• Foramen lacerum
Nil

Posterior Cranial Fossa

• Temporal bone
• Occipital bone
• Foramina of posterior cranial fossa & contents
– Internal auditory meatus with
CN VII & VIII
– Jugular foramen & contents
– Hypoglossal canal & CN XII
– Foramen magnum

• Meningeal coverings
• Ganglia of CN IX & X in jugular foramen
Nil

2. Cranial Vault

Bones

• Temporal bone
• Occipital bone
• Foramina of posterior cranial fossa & contents
– Internal auditory meatus with
CN VII & VIII
– Jugular foramen & contents
– Hypoglossal canal & CN XII
– Foramen magnum

• Meningeal coverings
• Ganglia of CN IX & X in jugular foramen
Nil

Scalp

Nil

• Galea
• Blood supply to scalp
• Frontalis muscle
• Occipitalis muscle

Nerve

Nil

• Meningeal
• Scalp
• Skull bones

3. The Orbit

Bony Orbit

• Boundaries & walls, including
contributions from specific skull bones
• Foramina & contents
• Optic canal
• Superior orbital fissure
• Inferior orbital fissure
• Lacrimal fossa/crest
• Periorbita
• Medial & lateral tubercles
• Orbital septum
Nil

Preseptal Structures

• Lacrimal sac & duct

• Lids & tarsal plates
• Blood supply & venous drainage
• Levator palpebrae superioris & nerve supply
• Conjunctival sac boundaries
• Lacrimal canaliculi
• Lateral and medial check
ligaments of the globe

Extraocular Muscle Cone

• Intraconal fat
• Extraocular muscles & their nerve supplies
• Tendon annulus Nil

Extraocular Space

• Lacrimal gland • Nerve & blood supply to the
lacrimal gland
• Extraconal fat
Nil

Globe & Contents

• Cornea & sclera
• Choroid & retina
• Iris & lens
Nil • Canal of Schlemm
• Macula position
• Short ciliary arteries
• Nerve supply
– Short and long ciliary nerves
• Ciliary ganglion

Optic Nerve Complex

• Fovea
• Optic nerve
• Central artery of retina
• Central retinal vein
• Optic nerve sheath
Nil Nil

Arteries

• Ophthalmic artery
• Infraorbital artery
• Central artery of retina

• Supraorbital
• Supratrochlear
• Lacrimal
• Dorsal nasal
• Anterior & posterior ethmoidal
• Anterior ciliary
• Posterior ciliary
• Zygomaticotemporal
• Zygomaticofacial

Veins

• Superior and inferior ophthalmic veins
• Facial-cavernous anastomoses
Nil • Ophthalmic vein tributaries

Nerves

• Oculomotor nerve & divisions
• Ciliary ganglion
• Ophthalmic nerve
• Maxillary nerve
• Infraorbital nerve
• Branches of ophthalmic nerve
• Zygomatic branches of maxillary nerve
Nil

4. Nasal Cavity & Paranasal Sinus

Bones & Foramina/Canals

• Key bones
• Ethmoid bone
• Palatine bone
• Maxilla
• Conchae & meati
• Ostiomeatal complex & its components
• Sphenoid sinus
• Sphenoethmoidal recess
• Other bones
– Premaxilla (incisive bone)
– Pterygoid plates of sphenoid
– Nasal bone
– Lacrimal bone
– Nasal septum & vomer
– Ethmodial cell variants
– Haller cell
– Agger nasii cell
• Foramina
– Sphenopalatine foramen
– Palatine canals
– Incisive foramen
• Variations of pneumatisation
• Mucosa

Blood supply

Nil • Sphenopalatine artery
• Anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries
• Venous drainage
Nil

Nerve supply

Nil Nil • Anterior ethmoidal
• Nasopalatine
• Branches of greater palatine nerve

Lymphatics

• Lymphatic drainage & nodal pathways Nil Nil

5. The Facial Bones

• Bones, processes, articulations, sinuses, foramina/canals & their
contents
– Sphenoid
– Palatine
– Ethmoid
– Nasal
– Vomer
– Zygoma
– Maxilla
– Mandible
• Nil • Nil

6. The Temporal Bone

External Ear & Petrous Temporal

• External auditory meatus
• Tympanic membrane
• Mastoid air cells
Nil • Auricle & its innervation
• Tympanic ring

Middle Ear

• Floor & roof features, windows & foramina
• Ossicular Chain
– Malleus
– Incus
– Stapes
• Nerves
– Facial nerve
– Chorda tympani
• Ossicular chain joints & ligaments
• Muscles
– Tensor tympani
– Stapedius
• Jacobson’s nerve
Nil

Inner Ear

• Bony & membranous labyrinth
• Facial nerve canal, course & parts
• Stylomastoid foramen
• Dorello’s canal, abducens n.
• Cochlear aqueduct
• Vestibular aqueduct
Nil

7. Temporomandibular Joint

• Condylar fossa & eminence
• Articular disc & components
• Condyle & articular cartilage
• Fully open & closed positional
anatomy
• Joint capsule
• Normal motional variants
Nil

8. Mandible

• Condyle, neck, ramus & body
• Muscle attachments
• Inferior alveolar artery & nerve
• Canals & foramina
– Mandibular canal
– Lingula
– Inferior alveolar foramen
– Mental foramen
• Mental nerve
• Dental nerves
• Nerve to mylohyoid
• Inferior alveolar vein
Nil

9. The Teeth

Nil • Dental terminology
– Mesial-distal, buccal-lingual,
crown-roots
• Parts of tooth
– Crown, neck, root, root canal, enamel, dentine, pulp cavity, roots
• Numbering and naming
(FDI terminology)
Nil

10. Superficial Face

• Veins
– Facial vein
– Facial venous anastomoses
• Veins
– Supratrochlear & supraorbital
• Muscles of facial expression

Central Nervous System

1. The Brain

White Matter

• Corpus callosum
• Fornix and forniceal commissure
• Corticospinal tracts (and corticobulbar tract)
• Optic tract, geniculocalcarine tract
and optic radiation
• Internal capsule & components
• Middle thalamic radiation
• Spinothalamic tract and spinal
lemniscus
• Medial lemniscus system
• Spinocerebellar tracts
• Rubrospinal tract
• Anterior, posterior, habenular commissures
• Posterior & inferior thalamic radiations
• Auditory system
– Lateral lemniscus
– Inferior brachium
– Auditory radiation
• Association tracts (subcortical
WM)
• Anterior thalamic radiation
• Trigeminothalamic tract
• Reticular formation
• Reticulospinal tracts

Grey Matter Nuclei (Non-Cranial Nerve

• Caudate nucleus
• Putamen
• Globus pallidus
• Amygdala
Nil Nil

Cerebral Cortex

• Frontal, temporal & occipital poles
• Frontal, temporal, parietal, & occipital lobes
• Key gyri
– Precentral
– Postcentral
– Precuneus
– Calcarine
– Cingulate
– Operculum
• Hippocampus & components
• Important gyri
– Frontal
– Orbital
– Superior parietal & paracentral lobules
– Gyrus rectus
– Supramarginal and angular
– Cuneus
– Lingual
– Occipitotemporal
– Temporal
• Parahippocampal gyrus & subiculum
• Other gyri
– Pyriform cortex
– Insular gyri

Cerebral Sulci

• Interhemispheric fissure
• Lateral (Sylvian) fissure
• Central (Rolandic) sulcus
• Callosal sulcus
• Cingulate sulcus
• Parietooccipital fissure
• Calcarine sulcus
• Circular sulcus
• Collateral sulcus
• Superior & inferior frontal
• Superior & inferior temporal
• Postcentral
• Temporooccipital notch
• Occipitotemporal
• Fimbriodentate
• Intraparietal
• Subparietal

Anatomic Basis of Functional Systems

• Cortical motor system
• Cortical sensory system
• Auditory system
• Visual System
• Olfactory system
• Speech: Broca & Wernicke areas
Nil

2. The Brainstem

White Matter

• Cerebral peduncle
• Middle cerebellar peduncle
• Inferior cerebellar peduncle
• Pyramid and pyramidal decussation
• Superior cerebellar peduncle Nil

Grey Matter Nuclei (Non-Cranial Nerve)

• Thalamus
– Lateral and medial genicular bodies
• Pineal gland
• Posterior pituitary
(neurohypophysis)
• Substantia nigra
• Superior and inferior colliculi
• Subthalamic nucleus
• Thalamic nuclei
– Ventral posterior nucleus
• Red nucleus
• Pontine nuclei
• Olivary nucleus
• Hypothalamus
– Infundibulum
– Mammillary body
• All other thalamic nuclei

3. Ventricular System

• Lateral ventricles
• Third ventricle & boundaries
• Cerebral aqueduct
• Fourth ventricle
• Obex, median (Magendie) and lateral (Luschka) foramina
• Choroid plexus
• Septum pellucidum, velum interpositum
• Choroid fissures of lateral ventricles
• Superior medullary velum
• Features of fourth ventricle floor
Nil

4. Basal CSF Cistern

• Suprasellar cistern
• Interpeduncular cistern
• Ambient cistern
• Quadrigeminal cistern
• Prepontine cistern
• Cerebellopontine cistern
• Premedullary & perimedullary
cisterns
• Cisterna magna
Nil

Nil

• Sella turcica
• Cavernous sinus, walls and contents
• Neurohypophysis & Stalk
• Adenohypophysis
• Pituitary blood supply & portal system
• Planum sphenoidale
• Diaphragma sellae • ICA dural rings

6. The Cranial Nerves

Cranial Nerve Systems

• Olfactory bulb & tract
• Retina, optic nerve & chiasm
• Oculomotor nerve & nucleus, ciliary ganglion
• Trochlear nucleus & n.
• Trigeminal nuclei, ganglion &roots
• Abducens nucleus & n.
• Facial nucleus & n.
• Vestibulocochlear nerve & spiral ganglion
• Glossopharyngeal nerve & ganglia
• Vagus nerve & ganglia
• Accessory nucleus & n.
• Hypoglossal nucleus & n.
Nil • Edinger-Westphal nucleus
• Spinal trigeminal tract nucleus
• Superior salivary nucleus, Lacrimal
nucleus, Facial motor nucleus, facial sensory components
• Vestibular nuclei, cochlear nucleus
• Inferior salivary nucleus
• Motor & dorsal nuclei
• Multi-nerve nuclei
– Spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve
– Nucleus of tractus solitarius
– Nucleus ambiguus
• Mesencephalic ganglion
• Trigeminothalamic tract

Organisation of Cranial Nerve Nuclei

• Somatic motor efferent
– Hypoglossal, abducens,
trochlear, oculomotor
• Brachiomotor efferent
– Motor nucleus of VII
– Motor nucleus of V
• Somatic sensory
– Trigeminal sensory
• Vestibular and cochlear nuclei
Nil • Brachiomotor efferent
– Nucleus ambiguus
• Somatic sensory
– Mesencephalic, spinal
• Visceral sensory
– Nucleus of tractus solitarius
• Visceral motor efferent
– Dorsal nucleus of vagus, salivary, lacrimal, Edinger
Westphal

7. The Meninges

• Pia mater (in general)
• Arachnoid mater (in general)
• Dura mater (in general)
• Falx cerebri
• Tentorium cerebelli
• Falx cerebelli
• Middle meningeal artery
• Subarachnoid space (in general)
• Subdural space (in general)
• Extradural space (in general)
• Meningeal blood supply
• Meningeal innervation
Nil

8. The Cerebellum

• Neocerebellum
• Vermis
• Cerebellar tonsils
• Dentate nuclei
• Superior, middle and inferior peduncles
• Superior & inferior medullary velum Nil

9. Vascular Supply to the Brain

Arterial

• Internal carotid arteries, branches
& segments
• Ophthalmic artery and branches
• Circle of Willis configuration and
common variations
• Middle cerebral artery (MCA), segments & branches
• Anterior cerebral artery (ACA), segments & branches
• Anterior communicating artery
(AComA)
• Posterior cerebral artery (PCA), segments & branches
• Vertebral & basilar artery
• Anterior & posterior spinal arteries
• Posterior communicating artery
(PComA)
• Cerebellar arteries (SCA, AICA, PICA)
• Arterial territories on crosssectional
imaging, variations

• Extradural ICA branches
– Inferolateral trunk
– Menigohypophyseal trunk
– Artery of Vidian canal

• Anterior choroidal artery
• Anterolateral and anteromedial
perforating arteries including artery of Heubner
• Intracranial – extracranial
anastomoses
– Ophthalmic/facial
– Inferolateral & maxillary
• Posterolateral perforating arteries
• Posteromedial perforating arteries
• Basilar and vertebral perforators

Updated on 30 January 2021