Atlas of Acupuncture

3 Anatomical Orientation

1st rib, 1st intercostal space (
Fig. 3.86)

By palpating parasternally in an inferior direction, the first rib

can generally be felt directly below the clavicle. Here, 
KID-27

is located 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Below follows the

first intercostal space, then the second rib and so on. 
Ren-20

is located on the anterior midline, at the level of the first inter-

costal space, 
Ren-21is located slightly superior to it.

2nd rib, manubriosternal synchondrosis

(manubriosternal junction) (
Figs 3.83,

3.86)

The synchondrosis is usually a clearly defined transverse bony

structure on the superior section of the sternum, level with the

articulation of the second rib. Directly below the synchondrosis

is the 2nd intercostal space from where subsequent ribs and

intercostal spaces can be counted by palpation.

Laterosuperior aspect of the thorax and

coracoid process (
Fig. 3.87)

The laterosuperior aspect of the thorax is bordered by the clavicle

and the deltoid muscle with the coracoid process deep to the latter.

The deltopectoral triangle can be located by palpating from the

end of the anterior axillary fold along the border of the deltoid

muscle towards the shoulder and the lower border of the clavicle.

Here, in the centre of the triangle, lies 
LU-2. Laterally, the tri-

angle is bordered by a clearly palpable bony structure, the coracoid

process. In order to distinguish the process from the lesser tubercle

of the humerus, the arm is rotated externally with the elbow flexed

at the same time. While the process will remain fixed, the tubercle

will follow the movement. 
LU-1is located slightly superior and

lateral to 
LU-2and medial to the lower border of the coracoid

process. The contours of the deltoid muscle and the deltopectoral

triangle can be emphasised through muscle flexion, for example

by pressing the hands against each other in front of the chest.

Ren-20

Ren-21

KID-27

KID-26 1st rib

Ren-20

Ren-21

Fig. 3.85

1st rib

2nd rib

T12

L1

C6

T1

Clavicle

Acromion

Coracoid process

Glenoid cavity

Scapula

4th rib

Sternum

6th rib

7th rib

8th rib

10th rib

11th rib

12th rib

3rd rib

LU-1

Deltopectoral

triangle

Coracoid

process

Minor tubercle

of the humerus

LU-2 Clavicle

Fig. 3.86

Fig. 3.87