Anatomical Study of the Governor Vessel in the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: Its Arterial Correspondence

Objectives : To elucidate the anatomical correlates of the Governor Vessel (GV, Du Mai) as described in the Huangdi Neijing by comparing it with the contemporary anatomical understanding of the arterial system. This study aims to demonstrate that the GV corresponds to an actual arterial system rather than a hypothetical pathway. Methods : The study analyzed the GV's pathway as described in the "Discourse on Bone Hollows" (DBH) chapter of the Suwen, comparing it with contemporary anatomical knowledge of arterial distribution. The vessel's route was divided into pelvic and upper body segments, and each segment was examined in relation to corresponding arteries. Relevant anatomical research literature was consulted to identify the arteries corresponding to each section of the GV. Results : The pelvic segment of the GV corresponds to the pathway from the aortic bifurcation through the common iliac artery to the internal iliac artery. Among the branches of the internal iliac artery, the internal pudendal artery of the anterior division and the superior gluteal artery of the posterior division are described as the main routes. The upper body segment of the GV corresponds to the pathway from the aortic bifurcation through the aorta, common carotid artery, external carotid artery, to the facial artery. Some content in the DBH may have been inserted in later periods. Conclusions : The study confirms that the GV corresponds to an actual arterial system. Further investigation is needed to determine whether branches of the internal iliac artery not described in the DBH should be included in the GV pathway. Sections presumed to be later additions should be reviewed for exclusion from the GV pathway. Additional research is necessary to elucidate the anatomical correlates of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.