ACEM Primary Examination Anatomy Resources

Examination Resources:

LITFL recommended External Resources

ACEM recommended Textbooks

Clinically Oriented Anatomy Moore, Dalley, Agur (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) 6th, 2009 [Google Books]
McMinn’s Clinical Atlas of Human Anatomy Mosby 6th, 2008 [Google Books]

ACEM Resource Information

There will be an emphasis on applied anatomy in both MCQ and viva sections. Candidates are expected to have a detailed knowledge of the upper and lower limbs, with a special emphasis on anatomy important to the practise of emergency medicine.
Knowledge of the surface and general anatomy of other regions of the body relevant to the practise of emergency medicine is expected. This includes areas on which procedures are performed or where anatomy is important in the understanding of injury patterns and complications, patterns of disease or which demonstrate important anatomical principles.

Candidates must be familiar with anatomy essential for the interpretation of diagnostic imaging used by emergency physicians. The candidate is expected to be familiar with common x-rays and with cross-sectional anatomy necessary for the interpretation of CT scans. CT scans may be included in the exam and candidates will be expected to show knowledge of gross features and relationships. These will be single slices only, with knowledge appropriate to the practise of emergency medicine. Detailed radiology knowledge is not expected. CT levels are most likely to demonstrate important anatomical levels, eg. level of transpyloric plane, aortic arch. Detailed neuro-anatomy is not expected, but candidates should be able to describe lobes, ventricles and other gross structures.

Histology and embryology will not be examined. However, knowledge of clinically relevant paediatric anatomy is expected.

It should be stressed that detailed knowledge of the techniques of clinical procedures is not expected, but that the knowledge of areas in which these procedures are performed are obviously of key importance to emergency physicians.

LOA 1

Candidates should demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the anatomical structures, relationships nerve and blood supply as they pertain to the topic.
Candidates should be able to explain the clinical significance of the anatomy as applied to the practice of emergency medicine.

LOA 2

Candidates should demonstrate a general knowledge of the anatomical structures, relationships, nerve and blood supply where relevant to the practice of emergency medicine.

LOA 3

Candidates should demonstrate a basic knowledge of the anatomical structures and relationships as they pertain to the topic without the need for fine detail.
Imaging (CT and X-ray):
- Imaging of regions important to emergency medicine will be examinable as LOA 2 with the aim of demonstrating normal anatomical structures and relationships.
- Sectional imaging via CT will be examined in relation to brain, thorax and abdomen.
- Plain X-ray imaging will be examined in relation to head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, spine, lower limb and upper limb.