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The internal structures of the zang-fu organs are distinct from one another. The pharynx (throat for swallowing) and larynx (windpipe) share a common origin but differ in function: the larynx is anterior and governs exhalation, while the pharynx is posterior and governs ingestion. The larynx is firm and hollow, connecting to the root of the Lung, serving as the gate for breath. The pharynx is soft and hollow, connecting to the root of the Stomach, serving as the pathway for food and drink. They operate in parallel without interfering with each other. Since food and drink must pass down the airway, there is an epiglottis at the entrance of the airway. When swallowing, the epiglottis descends to close the airway. During speech or breathing, the epiglottis opens; thus, speaking while eating may cause food to touch the laryngeal opening, resulting in choking and coughing.

Below the larynx lies the Lung, consisting of two lobes that are white and translucent, internally hollow like a honeycomb, with no perforations below. It fills upon inhalation and empties upon exhalation. The classics refer to it as the "Canopy" (Hua Gai), implying its role in covering above and irrigating below. Below the Lung is the Heart, which is pointed, long, round, and red, with varying numbers of internal openings. It connects superiorly to the tongue and has no perforations inferiorly. Surrounding the Heart is the Pericardium (Bao Luo), also known as Dan Zhong, shaped like an inverted bowl, housing the Heart within, remaining still and motionless. The Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Kidneys, and Bladder are all attached laterally by their respective ligaments/connections, acting as ministers under command. If external pathogens invade, they only affect the Pericardium; the Heart itself cannot be directly invaded. If the Heart is invaded, death ensues and is incurable.

Below this lies the diaphragm membrane, adhering to the spine and ribs circumferentially, blocking turbid qi from ascending to smoke the Heart and Lungs. Below the diaphragm is the Liver, the Sea of Blood. It may have a single lobe or two to three lobes. The Gallbladder attaches within the shorter lobes, containing green bile, storing but not excreting it. It connects superiorly to the eyes and has no openings inferiorly. Although texts state that the Liver orifice connects to the eyes, it is actually the Gallbladder's function. This describes how the larynx forms meridians and nourishes the body.

Below the pharynx is the Stomach, where water and grain reside, serving as the critical checkpoint for nutrient transport. Attached superiorly on the left of the Stomach is the Spleen, yellowish-white in color and sickle-shaped. Its movement grinds the stomach contents, facilitating digestion. To the left and right of the Stomach, the Small Intestine and Large Intestine coil and overlap, filling the lower abdomen. To the left of the Large Intestine is the Bladder, the Fu organ of Jin-Ye (body fluids). It has no superior inlet, only an inferior outlet, relying entirely on Qi transformation for function. If Qi fails to transform, urine flow stops, leading to disease.

Regarding digestion: the essence extracted from cooked food and drink in the Stomach travels from the upper opening (Jie Gate/Bi Men) to the Lung, which distributes it through the vessels. The dregs travel from the lower opening (You Men/Hui Men) to the Small Intestine. At the lower opening of the Small Intestine (Lan Men/Lan Gate), fluids are separated. The clear portion渗 (seeps) from the Small Intestine into the Bladder, while the turbid waste turns into the Large Intestine, rests in the Chang Chang (Large Intestine/Rectum), and is finally expelled downward. This describes how the pharynx aids in nourishing Qi and Blood and transmitting waste.

As for the San Jiao (Triple Burner), the classics state: "The Upper Burner is like mist, the Middle Burner like fermentation, and the Lower Burner like a ditch." It is also said: "The San Jiao is the official of irrigation, through which water passages flow." Deviating from these norms leads to confusion; those with pure minds will understand upon reading my analysis.

There are two Kidneys, the residence of Jing (Essence). They are located below the 14th thoracic vertebra of the spine, curving along the sides of the spine, resembling kidney beans joined together. They are black in color, wrapped in a yellow membrane, and internally possess two white bands. The superior band connects to the Xin Bao (Pericardium), and the inferior band passes through the Ping Yi acupoint, heading toward the spinal bone to connect with the Sea of Marrow. Both Kidneys belong to Water; the left is Yin Water, and the right is Yang Water. The Ming Men (Gate of Life) lies between the curved junction of the two Kidneys, governing all Qi and cultivating the True Fire. In sexual intercourse, fire meets first before emotions gather, indicating that in the generation of all things by Heaven and Earth, Fire precedes Water. However, since it is born first, it also perishes first. Therefore, Zhao Yangkui’s medical works focus on True Fire and emphasize the Ming Men, hoping that those who cherish their bodies do not damage this fire day and night, and healers do not use bitter-cold herbs to drain this fire. Even if Fire appears excessive, it is due to insufficient True Water; one should never drain Fire but instead tonify Water to harmonize with Fire. If Fire is deficient, Water is not necessarily excessive; one need not drain Water but rather tonify Fire within the Water. Understanding this pivot of Water and Fire allows one to deduce the internal structures of the other zang-fu organs. The classics say: "Recorded are Water and Fire; the rest of the Qi can be inferred."