A brief analysis of the core component of the meridian system from an anatomical perspective

Through a brief review of early meridian theories and their historical development, it is deemed that anatomical evidence played a pivotal role in the formation and evolution of the theory of meridian system. Based on the developmental trajectory of meridians and integrated with modern biological evidence, the authors propose that both the nerves and blood vessels are the core components of the meridian system. In the context of the contemporary era, clarifying and emphasizing the core component of the meridian system holds significant guiding significance for explaining and expressing meridian phenomena using modern scientific language, as well as constructing an open and self-consistent modern acupuncture knowledge system.