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| == Characteristics == | | == Characteristics == |
| <p style='text-align:justify;'>Kala is differentiated as covered with ligaments (snayupratichhinna), the continuation of fetal coverings (jarayusantata) and coated with mucus membrane (shleshmaveshthita). All these structures may or may not be necessarily present in each kala. Even one or two of the above-mentioned structures may be visible in the existing kala. This can be observed in cadaveric dissectionup to a certain extent. [Su.Sa. ShariraSthanaDalhana 4/7]</p> | | <p style='text-align:justify;'>Kala is differentiated as covered with ligaments (snayupratichhinna), the continuation of fetal coverings (jarayusantata) and coated with mucus membrane (shleshmaveshthita). All these structures may or may not be necessarily present in each kala. Even one or two of the above-mentioned structures may be visible in the existing kala. This can be observed in cadaveric dissectionup to a certain extent. [Su.Sa. ShariraSthanaDalhana 4/7]</p> |
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| + | == Various kala == |
| + | <ol style='text-align:justify;'><li style="font-weight:bold">Mamsadharakala: <span style="font-weight:normal">The first kala is mamsdhara kala. Within the mamsa dhatu, the network of vessels and nerves (sira&dhamani), tendons or ligaments (snayu), and capillaries (srotasa) are spread. To explain this structure,Sushruta correlated it with the lotus plant, as its stem and roots are firmly embedded in muddy water, similarly, branches of vessels, nerves, and capillaries are embedded in this kala [Su.Sa. ShariraSthana 4/7] [Ash SaSharirsthan. 5/35]. The mamsadhara kala provides anatomical support and forms the protective shield covering of all these delicate structures.[Su.Sa. ShariraSthana 4/7] <br/>Mamsadhara kala includes the innermost layer of skin i.e., dermis (mamsadharatwacha), superficial and deep fascia, intermuscular septum, epimysium, perimysium, and endomysium. |
| + | </span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Raktadharakala/ asrugdhara kala: <span style="font-weight:normal">The second kala is raktadhara kala, which is found mainly in the blood vessels, sinusoids of the liver, and spleen. To elucidate this kala, a perfect simile is latex-yielding trees. If the branches of such trees are cut, we can see the milky sap coming out of them. Similarly, when the incision is given on the body, we can see blood oozing from it. From this, we can state that raktadharakala is located deep within the mams. [Su.Sa. ShariraSthana 4/9-10] [Ash. Sa. ShariraSthana5/36]. <br/>The raktadharakala allows blood to flow through various blood vessels, capillary networks, and sinusoids in the liver and spleen. The tunica intima of blood vessels can be considered raktadharakala. |
| + | </span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Medodhara kala:<span style="font-weight:normal">The third kala is medodhara kala. Medadhatu is present in all individuals, in abdomen and small bones.While large bones contain bone marrow (majja). [Su. Sa.ShariraSthana 4/11]Sushruta identified bone marrow (majja) of two types: red bone marrow (saraktameda) is seen in short bones and yellow bone marrow (peetmajja) is seen in long bones. <br/>Medadhatu is distributed all over the body, especially in the abdomen and small bones. Medadhatu of small bonesis called saraktameda. It is red. That within large bones is called peetmajja (yellow). Similarly, the meda dhatu inside the skull bonesand brain is called ‘mastulunga’. <br/>Hence, medodhatu is present over the entire body, especially in the abdominal region in the form of omentum, mesentery, and mesocolon. It can also be correlated with the endosteum of the bones. |
| + | </span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Shleshmadhara kala: <span style="font-weight:normal">The fourth kala is known as ‘shleshmadharakala’. It is present in the joints, especially in movable joints (cheshtavanta sandhi). It is compared with the smooth functioning of wheel around its axis. The lubricant achieves this smooth function,allowing the wheel to move around its axis without friction. Similarly, the shleshmawith shleshmadhara kala present in the joint facilitates their proper and smooth action. Thus, shleshmadhara kala prevents excessive friction and permits free and smooth movements.This kala can be correlated with synovial fluid and the membrane of the joints.</span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Purishadharakala: <span style="font-weight:normal">The fifth Kala is purishdhara kala, also known as maladhara kala. In Sharangadharasamhita, this kala is calledantradharakala. This kala includes the viscera surrounding the liver, the biliary apparatus (yakrutasamantat), and small and large intestines. The purishdhara kala lies in the large intestine (pakwashaya), predominantly in the caecum (unduka). This part separates fecal matter (mala) and chyle (ahara rasa). The primary role of maladhara kala is the segregation of water and other essential and non-essential materials. [Su.Sa. ShariraSthana 4/16-17] <br/>This kala can be correlated with mucosal membrane of the gastro-intestinal tract. |
| + | </span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Pittadharakala:<span style="font-weight:normal">The sixth kala is pittadharakala. It receives all four kinds of food; ashita(chewed), khadita(swallowed), peeta(drinks), and leedha(licked) from mouth to the stomach.It retains the food until its complete digestion in proximal part of the digestive tube up to the ileum. Further, the digested food is propelled toward the larger intestine. This digestion and absorption of food in a given time is accomplished by pachakapitta in pittadharakala. [Su.Sa. ShariraSthana 4/18-19] The pittadhara kala site is between the stomach (amashaya) and the large intestine (pakvashaya). This part of annavahasrotasais known as ‘grahani’. <br/>This kala can be correlated with the epithelium of digestive glands, enzymes, mucous membrane of the digestive tube, its villi, and lacteals responsible for digestion. |
| + | </span></li> |
| + | <li style="font-weight:bold">Shukradharakala:<span style="font-weight:normal">The seventh Kala is shukradhara kala, present all over the body of all living beings. Jaggery and ghee are present in the sugarcane juice and milk, respectively, but it is difficult to identify their presence. Similarly, the shukra is present in the entire body,and it can be understood only by its function. Semen is ejaculated through the male urethra during coitus.Shukradhara kala can be correlated with the inner lining of the seminal vesicle, ejaculatory duct, vas difference, epididymis and seminiferous tubule in the testis. <br/>It is difficult to quote references to shukradhara kala in females as observed in Ayurveda texts. But it may be correlated with the development of anasthigarbha (boneless embryo) formed by ejaculation in females only. It is mentioned in Shukrashonita Shuddhi ShariraAdhyaya.[Su. Sa. ShariraSthan 2/49] |
| + | </span></li></ol> |
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