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| The anatomy in TCM is related to twelve organs and the meridian system. The organs are divided into two categories: the Yin organs, also called Zang; and the Yang organs, also called Fu. The Yin organs are the liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, and also the Pericardium. The Yin organs are paired with the Yang organs. They are the gall bladder, small intestine, stomach, large intestine, bladder, and the San Jiao (triple heater). |
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| The Zang produce the Yin energy whereas the Fu are concerned with the transformation and regulation of external influences (food) which is a Yang activity. The Zang/Fu are closely linked in all physiological and pathological activities. A little more detail is required to further understand the Zang/Fu. |
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| The heart is the most important of all the Zang. It is also called the Emperor of organs. All consciousness and every thought belongs to the heart. The tongue is linked to the heart. |
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| The liver is a major factor in the regulation of the blood supply. During movement and exercise, the blood circulates through the body, but during rest, the blood |
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| returns to liver. Anger causes disturbances in the liver. It also guards against external attacks, and liver diseases usually incur a breakdown of the body's defense mechanism. It engenders tendons and hooves. Its opening are the eyes. |
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Spleen and pancreas are regarded as linked and acting almost as one organ. The transportation and transformation of food throughout the body is performed by the spleen. It is also in charge of the stomach and its digestive fluids. It distinguishes useful and useless foods and separates them. It controls the nourishment and energy for the entire body, as well as muscles and limbs. Its opening is the mouth. It is the master of the flavors. It is thus often a causative factor in the development of nutritional and digestive disorders.
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| The lungs control the skin and hair (or fur). Their opening is the nose. The lungs are the principal organ involved in the diffusion and exchange of energies between the interior and exterior of the body. Since the skin pores are a part of this process of energy diffusion, a lung disorder gives rise to temperature loss at the body surface. The lungs are masters of the energies and govern breathing, therefore disorders of the lungs affect the totality of the respiratory system. |
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