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Meridian and Collateral Theory Flashcards

7 cards from real NCCAOM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Meridian and Collateral Theory flashcards as text

  1. How many divergent meridians (Jing Bie) are there in the meridian system?

    Answer: 12

    There are 12 divergent meridians, one for each of the 12 main meridians, organized into 6 paired groupings called 'confluences.'

  2. What is the primary clinical function of the divergent meridians (Jing Bie)?

    Answer: Strengthen the interior-exterior (biao-li) relationship between paired meridians

    Divergent meridians reinforce the biao-li (exterior-interior) coupling of paired yin-yang meridians and allow yin channel Qi to reach the head and face.

  3. How many luo (connecting) collaterals are recognized in classical theory, including the great luo of the Spleen, the luo of Ren Mai, and the luo of Du Mai?

    Answer: 15

    There are 15 luo collaterals: 12 from the main meridians plus the luo of Ren Mai, Du Mai, and the great luo of the Spleen (Xu Li).

  4. The sinew channels (Jing Jin) primarily spread which type of Qi throughout the musculoskeletal system?

    Answer: Defensive Qi (Wei Qi)

    Sinew channels are closely associated with Wei Qi, which circulates in the exterior and nourishes the tendons, muscles, and joints.

  5. At which two anatomical regions do the sinew channels (Jing Jin) converge or terminate?

    Answer: The eyes and genitals

    Yin sinew channels converge at the genitals while yang sinew channels converge around the eyes, explaining why these regions are sensitive to sinew channel pathology.

  6. Which type of channel system has NO direct internal organ connection and primarily governs the body's superficial musculoskeletal structures?

    Answer: Sinew channels (Jing Jin)

    Sinew channels follow the pathways of the main meridians but do not enter the body cavities or connect to internal organs; they govern tendons, muscles, and fascia.

  7. Cutaneous regions (Pi Bu) represent the body surface areas governed by which channel system?

    Answer: The 12 main meridians

    Each of the 12 main meridians has a corresponding cutaneous region on the skin surface, making the Pi Bu the most superficial level of the channel system.