The development of classical meridian theory can be divided into two stages. The early meridian theory of the Western Han Dynasty was based on the anatomical structures and the empirical evidence，with the features of“Yin meridians as arteries and Yang meridians like nerves”. It has a high degree of consistency with modern biomedicine as shown in the 25 pieces of supporting evidence. The meridian theory represented by the handed-down Neijing inherits the early anatomical basic framework and most of the empirical content. While introducing the ancient Confucianism，the holistic views and the virtual concepts，it expands the clinical scope and develops into a practical meridian theory with obvious humanistic medical characteristics. Its main feature is the establishment of the“circulation model of 12 meridians connecting the Zang-Fu organs and the exterior and the interior”，which takes into account the physical and virtual structures and functions as well as the clinical applications. The vitality of the classical meridian theory is rooted in the ancient doctors＇profound insight into the human body structures and the value of clinical application. Reexamining its anatomical basis and scientific connotation will promote the deep integration of traditional medicine and modern medicine and give birth to modern meridian theory.

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