Meridian (Jing Luo) theory is the systematic synthesis of ancient Chinese's understanding of materials flow, energy flow and information flow through human body and their transformation, regulation and balance. Undoubtedly, this theory involves in the main regulation systems (nerve system, blood circulation, endocrine and immune system etc.) in the organism described by modern biology but it is not uniform with these systems and can not be instead by them. The Meridian theory contains the deep ideas, some of which are in advance of Western Medicine even now in other hand, there are some limitations and defective concepts in Meridian theory. In view of the unity of structure with function, the present paper discusses the position and roles of extracellular matrix (ECM) in meridian system: (1) As the liquid crystalline condensed matter, ECM, particularly collagen fibers, possess obvious bioelectric, free radical, thermodynamic and mechanical activities, the abilities of transferring charge, charged ions, unpaired electrons, the large capacity of energy storage, transmission and transformation. ECM's responsibility for environment change and stimulation is sensitive but with cushioning effect; (2) ECM, particularly its stem component collagen fibers distribute widespread but regularly in organism and form several concentrated complex structures with nerve fibers and blood vessels in the intermuscle-spaces, which are associated fascia consisted of ECM also; (3) There are the close relations between ECM and nerve fibers, particularly nervous sensors in the above-mentioned complex structures and fascia. The present paper proposes that with ECM as important and stem carriers, the meridian forms a medium continuum for the reserving and transmitting, regulating and buffering of materials flow, energy flow and information flow in human body. And we support such an opinion that the meridian constitutes a "body consciousness and homeostasis" network system in tandem with "the brain consciousness and homeostasis" of nervous system.

By Cai Guoping