Liver Channel & Related Anatomy – Review Flashcards

Thirty Q&A flashcards covering anatomy of hamstrings, locations/natures/functions of Liver points 8–14, five-element relationships, femoral triangle safety, liver physiology, eye & sinew pathology, and clinical/practice precautions.

Where is Liver 8 (Ququan) located?

In the depression just superior to the medial end of the popliteal crease, anterior to the insertions of semitendinosus & semimembranosus, when the knee is slightly flexed.

How do you locate Liver 9 (Yinbao)?

4 cun above the medial epicondyle of the femur, between vastus medialis and sartorius, anterior to the sartorius muscle.

What is the elemental nature of Liver 8 in the Five-Shu system, and what role does it play?

Liver 8 is the Water point and therefore the ‘Mother’ point of the Liver (Wood) channel.

List two key therapeutic actions of Liver 8.

1) Nourishes Liver blood and yin. 2) Clears damp-heat from the lower jiao and relaxes sinews around the knee.

Give three lower-jiao indications treated by Liver 8 due to damp-heat.

Burning urination or retention of urine, swelling/itching of genitals, and prolapse of uterus or lower-abdominal pain.

Name the five-Shu points of the Liver channel from Jing-Well to He-Sea.

Liver 1 (Jing-Well), Liver 2 (Ying-Spring), Liver 3 (Shu-Stream), Liver 4 (Jing-River), Liver 8 (He-Sea).

According to Five-Element theory, which point is the ‘Son’ of the Liver channel and why?

Liver 2 (Fire point); Wood (Liver) generates Fire, so Fire is the Son—used to reduce excess such as Liver Fire or Yang Rising.

Explain the principle 'Tonify the Mother to treat deficiency' for the Liver channel.

Because Water is the Mother of Wood, tonifying Liver 8 (Water point) nourishes Liver (Wood) when Liver blood/yin is deficient.

How do Liver 12 (Jimai) and Spleen 12 (Chongmen) differ in position to the femoral vessels?

Liver 12 is medial to the femoral vein; Spleen 12 is lateral to the femoral artery.

What needling precaution applies to Liver 12?

Insert medially and obliquely (0.5–0.8 cun) and avoid moxibustion to protect the femoral vein/artery; deep perpendicular needling is contraindicated.

Where is Liver 13 (Zhangmen) found anatomically?

Directly inferior to the free end of the 11th floating rib, on or near the mid-axillary line.

State two principal actions of Liver 13.

Harmonises Liver & Spleen and relieves food retention in the middle jiao.

Describe the location of Liver 14 (Qimen).

In the 6th intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the midline, directly below the nipple (in males).

Give two major functions of Liver 14.

Promotes Liver qi flow, harmonises Liver–Stomach, and clears heat from the blood in febrile disorders.

Which front-mu points correspond to the Spleen and the Liver?

Spleen front-mu = Liver 13; Liver front-mu = Liver 14.

According to TCM, what does the phrase ‘Liver stores blood’ mean during rest and activity?

At rest, blood returns to and is stored in the Liver; during activity, the Liver releases blood to the channels, muscles, and sinews.

How does the Liver’s control of sinews manifest clinically?

Adequate Liver blood ensures flexible tendons; deficiency causes cramps and numbness, while wind or heat may cause tremors or spasms.

What ocular symptoms suggest Liver blood deficiency?

Blurred vision, dry or gritty eyes, floaters, or night blindness.

Which eye signs point toward Liver Fire or Yang Rising?

Red, swollen, painful or bloodshot eyes often with distending headache.

What tendon presentation is common with Liver blood stasis?

Fixed, stabbing joint pain or rigidity with purple discoloration.

Outline the generating sequence of the Five Elements beginning with Wood.

Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → (back to) Wood.

Identify the Jing-Well point of the Liver channel and its element.

Liver 1; it is a Wood point.

Do Yin channels possess Lower He-Sea points?

No. All six Lower He-Sea points belong to the three Yang channels of the leg.

Why must deep perpendicular needling be avoided at Liver 13?

Because an enlarged Liver (right) or Spleen (left) lies immediately beneath and could be punctured, risking peritonitis.

A patient with blurred vision due to Liver blood deficiency should receive which key point and why?

Liver 8—Water/Mother point that nourishes Liver blood and yin, improving ocular nourishment.

List two lifestyle measures recommended in class to protect Liver health.

Maintain positive attitude with stress management, and balance diet/rest with moderate exercise.

What professional safeguard was emphasized before needling inguinal points such as Liver 10–12?

Obtain clear informed written consent and explain location, purpose, and risks to avoid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Where is Liver 3 (Taichong) located?

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones.