Definition

Noun: * Viscera: The internal organs of the body, especially those located in the chest and abdominal cavities, such as the heart, liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. In traditional Vietnamese medicine and philosophy, this term often refers specifically to the system of "five viscera and six bowels" (ngũ tạng lục phủ), which are central to physiological and energetic functions.

Usage Examples

• (Traditional medicine studies the functions of the viscera in depth.)
• (This herbal remedy has the effect of nourishing the viscera.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is most precisely used in the context of traditional Eastern medicine (Đông y) rather than modern Western anatomy. It encompasses not just the physical organs but also their associated energetic and spiritual functions.
• "Ngũ tạng lục phủ": A fundamental concept meaning the "five viscera and six bowels." The (five viscera: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) are considered solid, yin organs that store vital essence. The (six bowels: gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, and or "triple burner") are considered hollow, yang organs that process and eliminate.

Variants and Related Words

• Nội tạng (n): Internal organs. This is a more general, modern term for internal organs, commonly used in both everyday and Western medical contexts.
  • Hiến nội tạng là một nghĩa cử cao đẹp. (Donating internal organs is a noble act.)

Synonyms

• Viscera: Internal organs, especially in the abdomen.
• Internal organs: The organs inside the main cavities of the body.

Related Idioms

• Tạng phủ suy yếu: A state of weakened or depleted viscera. This is a common diagnosis in traditional medicine indicating a general decline in vital organ function and energy.
  • Bệnh lâu ngày khiến tạng phủ suy yếu. (The prolonged illness has caused a weakening of the viscera.)

noun

1. viscera