Which point is behind the earlobe, between the ramus of the mandible and the mastoid process, in the depression just superior to the palpable transverse process of the first cervical vertebra?

• A. SJ 17
• B. SJ 21
• C. SJ 19
• D. SJ 18

Answer: (A)

The point being tested is located in the specific ear region where the San Jiao channel passes behind the earlobe, between the ramus of the mandible and the mastoid process, in the depression just superior to the transverse process of the first cervical vertebra. That precise location—behind the earlobe, in the hollow between the jawbone and the mastoid, just above the atlas transverse process—matches the classical description of this SJ point. It sits at that distinct, superficial depression and is used for issues related to the ear and surrounding area along the San Jiao channel.

Other points listed occupy different spots around the ear and jaw region, not in that exact depression behind the earlobe between the mandible and mastoid and just above C1’s transverse process, so they don’t fit the described landmark.