Anatomy of the spleen in ancient Chinese medicine, woodcut

From an edition published in 1537 (16th year of the Jiajing reign period of the Ming dynasty). The spleen (pi) is one of the five zang viscera. Its main function is to transform water and grain into subtle essence and bodily fluids, and to govern the blood, so that it can circulate normally in the channels, without overflowing. It is the lord of the four limbs. It controls the activity of nourishing the limbs and muscles. Collected Gems of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Vol. 1 states: 'The spleen weighs 2 jin (Chinese lb, c. 500 gr.) 3 (Chinese oz., c. 50 gr). It measures 3 cun (Chinese inches) across and 5 cun in length. It has ½ jin of fat. It is located adjacent to the 12th spinal vertebra.'

Picture title: Pizang (spleen)