OBJECTIVETo study on the anatomical layers and depth of Yifeng (TE 17) so as to provide anatomical basis for clinical treatment.

METHODSFifteen fresh adult corpse samples, 10 males and 5 females, were randomly taken for investigating the anatomical structures and nerve-blood vessel relationship at the acupoint area of Yifeng (TE 17) with layer anatomical method layer by layer.

RESULTSAnterior of Yifeng (TE 17) is posterior border of condylion, the part backward is the aponeurosis of sternocleidomastoid muscle and anterior border of papillary. Structures of this point are skin, subcutaneous fascia, the posterior border of parotid, venous plexus of infratemporal fossa in turn. And the superficial layer of the point are the branches of great auricular nerve and external jugular vein. The structures of the deep layer are occipital artery, branches of upper jaw's artery and vein, pterygoid venous plexus and facial nerve, mandibular nerve. The average dangerous depth is (35.52 +/- 6.31) mm.

CONCLUSIONThere are important nerves and blood vessels around Yifeng (TE 17), which should be noted in acupuncture.