Channel Functions

Question 1

Primary channels

Answer 1

Most important clinically.

Connect internally with organs and externally with limbs and joints.

Circulate qi, blood and fluids.

Directly connects skin, muscles, tendons, bones, limbs, sensory openings, zangfu.

Defends against exterior pathogens.

Question 2

Divergent channels

Answer 2

Vertical branches of primary channels.

Principal fxn is to link with the channel and organ associated with the parent primary channel of the int-ext relationship.

Acts as go between in effecting the special functional relationship between pairs of yin and Yang primary channels.

Question 3

Luo connecting channels

Answer 3

Connect int-ext related channels.

Connection is made between primary channels as they traverse the limbs rather than between their associated organs internally.

Control surface of body. Circulates qi/blood to tissues of body.

Regulates ying qi balance between yin/yang paired channels.

Lesser branches: minute, superficial, blood

Minute: smaller branch vessels of 15 Luo

Superficial: smaller branches confined to the surface of the body.

Blood: smaller branches seen beneath skin.

Question 4

Qi

Answer 4

Commander of Blood

Motivating force