NCCAOM Meridian and Collateral Theory 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many divergent meridians (Jing Bie) are there in the meridian system?
- 8
- 10
- 12 (Correct answer)
- 15
Correct answer: 12
There are 12 divergent meridians, one for each of the 12 main meridians, organized into 6 paired groupings called 'confluences.'
Question 2: What is the primary clinical function of the divergent meridians (Jing Bie)?
- Transport defensive Qi to the skin surface
- Strengthen the interior-exterior (biao-li) relationship between paired meridians (Correct answer)
- Regulate the extraordinary vessels
- Distribute blood to the sinew channels
Correct 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.
Question 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?
- 12
- 14
- 15 (Correct answer)
- 16
Correct 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).
Question 4: The sinew channels (Jing Jin) primarily spread which type of Qi throughout the musculoskeletal system?
- Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi)
- Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) (Correct answer)
- Ancestral Qi (Zong Qi)
- Original Qi (Yuan Qi)
Correct 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.
Question 5: At which two anatomical regions do the sinew channels (Jing Jin) converge or terminate?
- The eyes and genitals (Correct answer)
- The ears and mouth
- The nose and umbilicus
- The tongue and heart
Correct 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.
Question 6: Which type of channel system has NO direct internal organ connection and primarily governs the body's superficial musculoskeletal structures?
- Divergent meridians (Jing Bie)
- Luo collaterals (Luo Mai)
- Extraordinary vessels (Qi Jing Ba Mai)
- Sinew channels (Jing Jin) (Correct answer)
Correct 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.
Question 7: Cutaneous regions (Pi Bu) represent the body surface areas governed by which channel system?
- The 8 extraordinary vessels
- The 15 luo collaterals
- The 12 main meridians (Correct answer)
- The 12 sinew channels
Correct 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.
NCCAOM Meridian and Collateral Theory 3
How many divergent meridians (Jing Bie) are there in the meridian system?