[Comparison between tiny collateral and perforator vessel].

Through textual research of the literature on tiny collateral and perforator vessel, the two concep- tions were compared and the similarity was analyzed in terms of definition, anatomical level, quantity, the flow of qi and blood and clinical application, etc. It is considered that the tiny collateral in Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor) and the perforator vessel of modern medicine are different names of one physical structure. It is proposed that the combination of the tiny collateral theory of CM and the research findings of perforator vessel of western medicine would deepen the understanding of the tiny structure of human skin and promote the development of both TCM and modern medicine.