meridian vs. collatteral system

tutor

Hello.
I am wondering about the difference between the meridian and collateral system.
According to Ch 4.

"The meridians are the major channels of the system and they run lengthwise within the interior of the body. The collaterals are the branches of the meridians and they run crosswise from the meridians either on or just below the body surface. Since they are distributed over the entire body, the meridians and collaterals link together the Zang-Fu and other organs, the orifices of the body, the skin, muscles and bones. They bring the body into an organic whole to carry on the systematic activities. "

If I understand correctly the meridians consist of the regular channels that correspond to the Zang-Fu organs. They are also the chief pathways of Qi and blood.

I am unclear how to identify the collaterals. Will we need to know these and where they interconnect.
Is there any figures displayed they can visually demonstrate this.

Thank you in advance for your response,
Anne
_________________
ANNE

tutor

Dear Anne,
You don't have to know the interconnections of the collaterals!

In fact, nobody would try to know that!!!

But I suggest you to have a clear idea about the 15 major collaterals, for they are linked with the Luo-Connecting Points.


For sure somebody could visualize the collaterals, but the number is very small, to tell the truth, I cannot.

Tutor