Which BL point lies 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5)?

• A. BL-13
• B. BL-14
• C. BL-12
• D. BL-15

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is the location of the Back Shu points for the Zang-Fu organs. Each Back Shu point sits 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the vertebra that corresponds to its organ. The Heart Back Shu point is located around the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra. The description given—1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of T5—places you in the same horizontal region used for the Heart Shu in standard diagrams, so the point targeted is the Heart Shu, BL-14. This is why that option is the best choice.