The anatomical structure of acupuncture points is the carrier for needling stimulation induced neurobiological effects.Although researchers have never stopped investigating its structure and experienced different stages from macroscopic to microcosmic morphological material basis

our understanding still largely lags behind the requirements of the times.In the present paper

we review development of researches on acupuncture points in recent decades from 1)macroscopic anatomical structure including skin

bones

muscles

nerves

blood vessels

etc.;2)macro-microcosmic structure as the thickness of skin and muscles

distribution of blood vessels and nerve fibers

and innervation;3)microstructure including cell categories(mast cells

fibroblasts

macrophages

etc.)

peptidergic nerve fibers

various receptors

chemical substances

and their relationship with the brain and immune-endocrine system(cutaneous-neuro-immune-endocrine-mental biological communication)

etc.These research outcomes will not only help us demonstrate the acupoint's structure better at the level of the body surface and regional anatomy

but also

at the microstructural level

reveal different kinds of cells and their chemical compositions in its structure as well as their relationship with the regulatory system of the whole body.From the perspective of the cutaneous and systemic neuro-immuno-endocrine networks

it undoubtedly prompts us to profoundly explore the underlying biological mechanisms of acupuncture.To observe the regional mutual connection and interaction of different kinds of cells and their chemical mediators and molecules in the acupuncture point will improve our understanding about the nature of acupuncture points from the static to the dynamic point of view.This might be a new approach for us to further reveal the functional roles of acupuncture points.