Traditional Chinese Medicine: Organs Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the bladder?

To regulate blood volume

To produce bile for digestion

To house the will and tendencies

To store and excrete urine (correct)

How does Kidney Jing affect hair health?

By regulating the production of bile

By maintaining blood flow to the scalp

Through the nourishment of Kidney Qi

By diminishing with age (correct)

What are the primary functions of the gall bladder?

To digest proteins and fats

To produce urine and filter blood

To store bile and regulate emotions (correct)

To house the ethereal soul

What role does the liver play in menstruation?

It stores blood to regulate menstrual flow Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of life does the ethereal soul (Hun) influence?

Planning and sense of purpose Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the flow of Qi is unsmooth, according to liver function?

Nausea and burping may occur Signup and view all the answers

Which organ controls the drainage of waste products through the lower orifices?

Kidney Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the kidneys and the production of marrow?

Kidneys store Jing, which produces marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Liver in relation to the tendons?

It nourishes and moistens the tendons. Signup and view all the answers

Which function is associated with the Stomach?

Controls fermentation and rotting of food. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Spleen contribute to muscular strength?

By extracting and utilizing Gu Qi. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key role of the Lungs in respiratory function?

They balance the flow of Qi in the chest. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the Spleen?

Regulates water retention. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Stomach require for its function of rotting and ripening food?

Sufficient fluids. Signup and view all the answers

The Spleen houses which spirit, influencing thinking and memory?

Yi Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles of the Lungs in relation to body fluids?

They control the descending of Qi and body fluids. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the upper burner play in bodily function?

Controls sweating and sends fluids to the Kidney/Bladder Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is primarily responsible for the transformation of stools and reabsorption of fluids?

Large Intestine Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the Heart in the body?

Governs the circulation and pumping of blood Signup and view all the answers

How does the Triple Burner influence Qi in the body?

It directs the flow of Yuan Qi through various body spaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Wei Qi?

To nourish the skin and hair Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is linked to the sense of smell and plays a role in warming and filtering air?

Lung Signup and view all the answers

What does the Pericardium do in relation to the Heart?

Protects the Heart from excessive heat Signup and view all the answers

Which organ excretes waste and maintains bowel movement appearance?

Large Intestine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bladder

Removes fluids through Qi transformation
Stores and excretes urine, receiving impure fluids from the small intestine
Receives dirty/impure fluids from the small intestine to turn them into urine.

Kidney

Houses the Zhi (will, tendency) which manifests in the hair. Kidney Jing diminishes with age, so does the hair.
Stores Jing for reproduction, growth, and birth.
Produces marrow for the brain, spinal cord, bones, and blood.
Controls two lower orifices (anus and urethra)
Dominates fluids
Works with lungs to manage water disposal
Operates in conjunction with the lungs for breath control
Opens into the ears

Gall Bladder

Stores and excretes bile (fat breakdown)
Receives bile from the liver.
Relies on smooth liver flow for digestion.
Rules decision-making.
Activates tendons by nourishing sinews with blood and Qi, enabling movement

Liver

Stores blood for rest/activity, adjusting volume to physical activity, and muscle nourishment
Ensures smooth Qi flow for emotions, digestion, and bile secretion
Houses the ethereal soul (Hun)
Manifests in the nails
Nourishes tendons, affecting movement capacity
Opens into the eyes

Stomach

Rots and ripens food and drink, preparing for spleen transformation
Controls food essence transportation
Origin of fluids
Sends qi downward to the small intestine

Spleen

Raises Qi
Governs transformation & transportation of food, fluids, air, and makes usable energy from Gu Qi
Dominates muscles and limbs
Controls Blood
Opens into the mouth and manifests in the lips
Houses Yi (spirit)
Influences concentration, focus, memory

Lungs

Inhales pure Qi, exhales impure Qi, balancing chest Qi
Controls channels & blood vessels
Controls descending and dispersing Qi
Regulates water passages, managing sweating
Dominates skin and hair
Opens into the nose to warm and filter air, impacting smell

Heart

Governs blood circulation
Controls blood vessels
Houses the Shen (memory, emotions)
Manifests in the complexion
Opens into the tongue
Controls sweat

Triple Burner

Three-fold division of the body's spaces:
- Upper burner (sweat production)
- Middle burner (bodily fluid production)
- Lower burner (blood, excretion)
Enables Yuan Qi passage
Controls water passages and excretion
Transforms Qi (ascends, descends, enters)

Pericardium

Protects the heart from excessive heat (e.g., spicy foods, alcohol)

Small Intestine

Separates fluids (pure and impure)
Receives digested food and drink from the stomach
Absorbs nutrients into blood, sends impurities to the bladder

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Description

This quiz explores the key functions and interactions of the bladder, kidney, gall bladder, and liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn how these organs manage fluids, emotion, digestion, and more. Test your knowledge on their roles and significance in maintaining overall health.