Where Thoracic Duct Drains?

The thoracic duct drains the lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen, left side of the thorax, left upper extremity, and left side of the head and neck. It originates at the cisterna chyli

cisterna chyli
The cisterna chyli is a large midline lymphatic collecting structure located just inferior to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. It collects lymphatics from the lower extremities via left and right lateral branches and from the intestinal tract via an intestinal branch.
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(when present) and terminates at the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.

Where does the thoracic duct drain into?

In the superior mediastinum, it passes behind the left common carotid artery, the vagus nerve, and the internal jugular vein. It then descends to empty into the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins.

Where the lymph drains from the main ducts?

The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper limb, right side of thorax and right halves of head and neck. The thoracic duct drains lymph into the circulatory system at the left brachiocephalic vein between the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

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