08/03/2025
“三焦” (SanJiao — Triple Burner/Warmer) is a functional organ in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Functions of the SanJiao
• Regulates the flow of Qi and body fluids between organs and regions
• Maintains communication between the five Zang (solid organs) and six Fu (hollow organs)
• Assists in temperature regulation and metabolic processes
• Acts as a “passageway” or “drainage system” in the body
For centuries, medical textbooks claimed we knew all the organs of the human body. But in a twist that has shocked the scientific world, researchers have now identified an entirely new organ hiding in plain sight: the interstitium. This discovery is not just a curiosity. It could rewrite what we know about how the body functions, fights disease, and even spreads illness like cancer.
The interstitium is a vast, fluid-filled network that runs throughout the body’s connective tissue. Unlike the solid tissues once believed to surround our organs and muscles, the interstitium is more like a sponge: a dynamic, springy mesh of collagen and elastin fibres filled with interstitial fluid. It acts as a shock absorber, helping to protect vital structures such as blood vessels, muscles, and organs from everyday impacts and pressure.
What makes this even more fascinating is how it went unnoticed for so long. Traditional microscopic slides drain fluids from tissue samples before examination. Because of this, the interstitium's spongy structure collapsed and appeared as dense, solid tissue under the microscope. Only with newer imaging techniques that preserve fluid in living tissue did scientists finally spot its true nature.
But the interstitium isn’t just about physical support. It may also be a key player in how diseases progress. Researchers now believe it could be a highway for cells, immune signals, and even cancer to move through the body. Understanding how this fluid network functions might open up new approaches for early diagnosis, drug delivery, and even stopping the spread of tumours.
We’re only beginning to understand the full implications, but one thing is clear: even in the age of advanced medicine, the human body still holds secrets. The interstitium is a vivid reminder that scientific curiosity continues to uncover surprising truths about who we are.
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