The three jiaos represent the body’s cavities and diaphragms: upper, middle, and lower. Each jiao serves a unique function and houses particular organ systems, corresponding to the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic diaphragms in modern anatomy. These diaphragms create divisions that maintain pressure, support organ function, and regulate movement between the body’s internal compartments. By relating the jiaos to physical diaphragms, we gain a direct anatomical correlate to these classical concepts, showing how they compartmentalize and support internal processes.
The Diaphragms and the Three Jiaos:
Anatomical Boundaries
In modern anatomical terms, the Three
Jiaos correspond to the body’s primary diaphragms—structural and fascial
boundaries that create distinct compartments within the body. Each diaphragm
not only separates these cavities but also plays a key role in stabilizing and
maintaining pressure within each Jiao, contributing to the movement and
function of the organs they contain. These diaphragms, aligned with the sinew
channels (Jing Jin), create a framework for the Three Jiaos in both
physical and functional terms.
1.
Upper
Jiao
Anatomical
Diaphragm: Thoracic
Diaphragm
Description: The thoracic diaphragm marks the
boundary between the thoracic and abdominal cavities. As a primary respiratory
muscle, it regulates pressure within the thoracic cavity, enabling the heart
and lungs to function optimally. Its fascial connections link it with the sinew
channels that support upper body movement and the dispersal functions of the
Upper Jiao.
o
Anatomical
Structures: Thoracic
cavity, encompassing the heart and lungs.
o
Autonomic/Nervous
System Equivalent: Cardiac
and Pulmonary Plexuses
§ The cardiac and pulmonary plexuses
regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory function, maintaining
circulation and oxygenation within the thoracic cavity. This system supports
the dispersal and transformation functions attributed to the Upper Jiao in TCM,
facilitating the distribution of energy and vitality throughout the body. The Brachial plexus reflects the patency of
this energy flow to the upper limbs.
- Middle
Jiao
Anatomical
Diaphragm: Abdominal
Diaphragm (Transverse Diaphragm)
Description: The abdominal diaphragm divides the
abdominal cavity from the pelvic cavity, supporting the stomach, spleen, and
liver in digestion and nutrient transformation. This diaphragm creates
intra-abdominal pressure crucial for digestive processes, aligning with the
Middle Jiao’s role in nourishing the body through the transformation of food
and fluids.
o
Anatomical
Structures: Abdominal
cavity, including the stomach, spleen, liver, and pancreas.
o
Autonomic/Nervous
System Equivalent: Celiac
(Solar) Plexus and Enteric Nervous System (ENS)
- The
celiac plexus, or "solar plexus," is central to digestive organ
function, controlling enzyme secretion, metabolic processes, and organ
motility. In conjunction, the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) operates as
the “second brain” within the digestive tract, independently regulating
peristalsis and nutrient absorption. This functional system aligns with
the Middle Jiao’s role in TCM, transforming food into energy and
nourishing the body.
- Lower
Jiao
Anatomical
Diaphragm: Pelvic
Diaphragm
Description: The pelvic diaphragm forms the base of
the body’s cavities, containing the pelvic organs and supporting the functions
of elimination and reproduction. This diaphragm regulates pressure and
stabilizes the organs of the Lower Jiao, maintaining pelvic integrity and
supporting the conservation of vital resources.
o
Anatomical
Structures: Pelvic
cavity, containing the kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.
o
Autonomic/Nervous
System Equivalent: Hypogastric
Plexus
§ The hypogastric plexus governs the lower
abdominal and pelvic organs, including bladder control, bowel movements, and
reproductive functions. Its role mirrors the TCM description of the Lower Jiao,
supporting waste elimination, water balance, and reproductive health, thereby
maintaining the body’s essential resources.
Comparative Table of the Three Jiaos
and Their Anatomical Equivalents
|
Jiao |
TCM Description |
Anatomical Diaphragm |
Autonomic/Nervous System Equivalent |
|
Upper Jiao |
Houses the heart and lungs; disperses qi for
respiration and circulation, supporting energy distribution. |
Thoracic Diaphragm |
Cardiac and Pulmonary Plexuses in the thorax. Brachial plexus (rotator cuff) into the
upper limbs. |
|
Middle Jiao |
Contains stomach, spleen, liver;
focuses on digestion and nutrient transformation to produce post-natal qi. |
Abdominal Diaphragm (Transverse) |
Celiac (Solar) Plexus and Enteric
Nervous System (ENS) |
|
Lower Jiao |
Includes kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs;
manages elimination, water metabolism, and reproductive health. |
Pelvic Diaphragm |
Hypogastric Plexus |
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