Library

Lung Membrane Diagram

The cardia of the stomach is the critical point where food and drink enter and are swallowed downward; the Tai Cang (Stomach, literally "Great Granary") is also the site where food gathers.
Below the lungs, on the right side, the Heart System (Xin Xi, connective tissue system of the heart) can be seen; it connects downward to the spinal cord and further extends to the stomach.

The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "Beside the seventh vertebra, there is the 'Small Heart'." The term "Small Heart" here refers to the palace where the true heart spirit resides; acupuncture should not be performed at this location. Based on current observations of Zang-Fu anatomy, the Heart System has two main branches: one connects upward with the lungs; the other enters one of the two lobes of the lungs from the heart, curves backward, and connects via fine collaterals to the spine and back muscles, penetrating the spinal cord, and subsequently communicating with the Kidney System. The lower course is detailed in Figure 7 of the subsequent text. This system attaches backward from the large lobe of the lung to the spine, precisely at the level of the seventh vertebra, hence the statement "beside the seventh vertebra."

Heart System Diagram

The Qi of the Five Zang Organs communicates with the Heart, and the Heart's Qi also reaches the Five Zang Organs. The Heart System connects with the systems of the Five Zang Organs, transporting Qi and Blood to permeate and irrigate the bone marrow. Therefore, when diseases arise in the Five Zang Organs, they often affect the Heart first.
The upper part of the Heart System attaches to the lungs. One branch diverges from between the two lobes of the lungs, passes backward to the spinal cord, attaches to the kidneys, and then runs parallel through the membranous collaterals of the bladder to reach the urinary tract.
One system of the lungs extends upward to the throat, with its middle section communicating with the Heart System.
The Spleen System passes through the center of the diaphragm, near the left hypochondrium, located above the stomach, connecting with the gastric region, piercing the diaphragm, and communicating with the Heart and Lungs, facilitated by the interconnection of the diaphragmatic membranes.
The Liver System attaches below the diaphragm to the right costal margin, pierces the diaphragm upward into the lungs, and connects with the diaphragmatic membranes.
The Kidney System adheres within the fatty tissues of the spine and back muscles; the two kidneys communicate with each other through this system. Downward, it connects with the aforementioned pathways; upward, it communicates with the Heart and Lung Systems, forming a unified whole.