Matrika Marma: Components, Location, Effect Of Injury

Article by Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) and Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Matrika Marmas are the important Marmas i.e. delicate and vital points of the body located in the neck. They are also called as ‘Kanta Siraas’. They are 8 in number and are located 4 on each side of the neck. 

They are predominantly made up of Sira (blood vessels). Damage to these Marmas is said to cause immediate death.

Matruka or Kanta Sira Marma
ग्रीवायां उभयतः चतस्रः सिरामातृकाः तत्र सध्यो मरणम्।(सु.शा.६/२७)

Location, number

Maatruka or Kanta Sira Marmas which are basically 8 blood vessels are located in the neck. They are located 4 on each side of the neck and form vital areas of the body.

Number – Maatruka Marmas are 8 in number.

Categories

Categories in which the Maatruka Marma is included
Maatruka Marma is classified into various categories. They are as below mentioned –
i) Shiro-Greeva Gata Marma (Shiro = Head, Greeva = Neck)
ii) Sira Marma – Maatruka marmas are predominantly made up of Siraa i.e. blood vessels (veins). The other elements namely Asthi (Bones), Snaayu (ligaments and tendons), Sandhi (bony joints) and Mamsa (muscles) are also present but in a lesser proportion.

iii) Sadhyo Praanahara Marma – (Sadhyo – Immediate, Pranahara – life taking) Maatruka Marma possesses a threat to life immediately after getting injured.

Measurement

Pramana (measurement of Maatruka Marma) –
Matrika Marma occupies a space of hasta pramana dimension (approximately equal to the size of the palm of one’s own hand).

Effect of Injury

तत्र सध्यो मरणम्।(सु.शा.६/२७)
Injury of Maatruka Marma causes immediate death.

Modern perspective

Modern Perspective (Practical anatomy) of Maatruka Marma
Structures falling in the area of Maatruka Marma –

• Internal Carotid Arteries and its branches
• External Carotid Arteries and its branches
• Jugular Vein and its tributaries

Though all the elements which comprise a marma i.e. asthi (bones), mamsa (muscles), snayu (ligaments, tendons) and sandhi (joints) are all present in the site of this Marma, they are predominant in the siraas (veins) making up the Maatruka Marma, therefore they are Siraa Marmas.

When Matruka Marma gets damaged, the effect of injury will chiefly involve the veins and arteries in the neck region in comparison to the extent of damage caused to other tissues.

Just Before Finishing
Maatruka Marmas constitute the important blood vessels going to the brain and draining the head. All these blood vessels pass through the neck. Any injury to the neck in the region of these marmas cause heavy bleeding, brain death and immediate death. Therefore any injury or trauma to the neck, sides of the neck should not be neglected because there is a chance that the great blood vessels constituting the Maatruka Marma may be damaged or injured in these situations.
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