Final answer:
The CR should be directed towards the superficial anterior and posterior compartments of the forearm in routine wrist projections.
Step-by-step explanation:
In routine wrist projections, the CR (central ray) should be directed towards the superficial anterior compartment of the forearm. This compartment is responsible for bending the wrist towards the body and tilting the hand to the side away from the body. The CR should also be directed towards the superficial posterior compartment of the forearm which straightens the wrist away from the body and tilts the hand to the side away from the body.
For wrist projections, it is important to target these two compartments to accurately capture the movements of the wrist and hand.