The dhatus are the basic varieties of tissues which compose the human body. The word “dhatu” comes from a Sanskrit word which means “that which enters into the formation of the body“; the root Daa (dha) means “support, that which bears“.
- The primary Dhatus are seven in number. They are:
- Sukra dhatu (reproductive tissues)
- Majja dhatu (bone marrow and nervous tissues)
- Asthi dhatu (bone)
- Meda dhatu (fatty tissues)
- Mamsa dhatu (muscle tissues)
- Rakta dhatu (formed blood cells)
- Rasa dhatu (plasma)
Rasa Dhatu
Rasa Dhatu relates to body fluids in the body. It includes intracellular and extracellular fluids, plasma in the blood and fluid in the lymphatic system. It also includes all nutrients absorbed in the intestine. Rasa Dhatu is responsible for providing nutrition to all cells, tissues, and organs in the body.
Rakta Dhatu
Rakta Dhatu relates to blood components (RBCs) except plasma in the blood. Rakta is derived from nutrients present in the Rasa. Rakta Dhatu supplies oxygen to all structures in the body. It is also responsible for maintaining strength, health, and happiness. It supports the functions of skin and sense organs.
Mamsa Dhatu
Mamsa Dhatu relates to muscular tissues in the body. Mamsa tissue is derived from nutrient in the Rakta in addition to Rasa. The main function of Mamsa Dhatu is to provide strength to the body and protecting internal organs.
Meda Dhatu
Meda Dhatu relates to adipose tissues in the body. It is derived from nutrients in Mamsa Dhatu in addition to Rasa, and Rakta. Meda Dhatu is responsible for lubrication and providing strength and nutrition to the bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments.
Asthi Dhatu
Asthi Dhatu relates to bony and skeletal tissues in the body. It is derived from nutrients in Meda Dhatu in addition to Rasa, Rakta, and Mamsa. The main function of Asthi Dhatu is to protect delicate nervous tissue, brain, spinal cord and support bone marrow.
Majja Dhatu
Majja Dhatu relates to the Bone marrow and nervous tissue in the body. It is derived from nutrients in the Asthi Dhatu in addition to Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, and Meda. Majja Dhatu is responsible for proving nourishment to Shukra Dhatu. All functions of bone marrow, brain, and nervous tissue represent the functions of Majja Dhatu.
Shukra Dhatu
Shukra Dhatu relates to the generative tissue in the body. It is derived from nutrients in the Majja Dhatu in addition to Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, and Asthi. Shukra Dhatu is not only constituents of semen or ovum. It also includes all generative tissues and stem cells in the body, which are responsible for cellular regeneration and reproduction.
