On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

• A. LI-17
• B. LI-16
• C. LI-18
• D. LI-12

Answer: (A)

The point being tested lives on the neck using clear surface landmarks: it sits on the lateral side of the neck at the level of the tip of the laryngeal prominence, specifically in the groove between the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (the sternal and clavicular heads). To locate it, palpate the anterior border of the SCM and feel for the slight depression where the two heads diverge around the level of the Adam’s apple; that depression is where LI-17 lies. This position is unique to LI-17 among the nearby points, which are located in different regions (for example, LI-16 is around the shoulder area and LI-12 or LI-18 lie in other neck or arm areas). So, the described spot corresponds precisely to LI-17.