Digitally Anatomical Study of Acupoints
Objective To explore the characteristics of the acupoints in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by means of digitally anatomical techniques. Methods First, a reticular framework of whole-body fascia was established by means of 3D-rebuilding in digitized virtual human. Then some virtual acupoints were formed with both manual and auto marked methods in this fascia framework. Finally the virtual acupoints represented three dimensionally were compared with the sites for stimulation in practice of acupuncture therapy. Results The results showed that these virtual acupoints tallied basically with the acupoints practiced in acupuncture therapy. The fascial network constituted by the connective tissues may be the anatomical basis for acupuncture therapy. Discussion We found that the acupoints were mainly located where thick connective tissues were present. In this fascial network, sensitive nerve endings, active cells and lymphatic vessels abounded in the sites with thick connective tissue, and needling at these sites may induce definite biological effects. In light of biological phylogeny and embryo development, we believe that the connective tissue network may constitute a new functional system in the human body, the Reservation and Supporting system (Fasciology), which provides a theoretical base for acupuncture therapy.
digital anatomy digitized virtual human acupoints connective tissue Reservation and Supporting system Fasciaology
Lin Yuan Chunlei Wang Jun Wang Jinpeng Wu Yong Huang
Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China Department of Acupuncture and Amoxibustion, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
国际会议
首届国际断层影像解剖学研讨会(The 1st International Symposium on Sectional and Inaging Anatomy)
青岛
英文
18-24
2007-12-15（万方平台首次上网日期，不代表论文的发表时间）