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The thoracic duct usually begins from the upper aspect of the cisterna chyli, passing out of the abdomen through the aortic hiatus into first the posterior mediastinum and then the superior mediastinum, extending as high up as the root of the neck before descending to drain into the systemic (blood) circulation at the venous angle.
The thoracic duct is the larger of the two and responsible for lymph drainage from the entire body except for the right sides of the head and neck, the right side of the thorax, and the right upper extremity which are primarily drained by the right lymphatic duct.
The thoracic duct drains lymph from the right and left descending thoracic lymph trunks, originating from the lower 6 intercostal spaces (6 to 11). The duct also receives lymph from intercostal spaces 1 to 5 via the upper intercostal lymph trunks.
A large portion of the body’s lymph is collected by this duct and then drained into the bloodstream near the brachiocephalic vein between the internal jugular and the left subclavian veins.
The thoracic duct drains lymph into the venous system at a specific junction in the neck, completing its lymphatic transport function. Venous Junction. The thoracic duct terminates at the junction of the left subclavian vein and the left internal jugular vein.
The thoracic duct is the main lymphatic channel for the return of chyle to the venous system. The thoracic duct drains lymph from both lower limbs, abdomen (except the convex area of the liver), left hemithorax, left upper limb and left face and neck. The thoracic duct is present in all individuals.
Quick Facts. Location: Sits on the vertebral bodies. Drainage: Structures below the diaphragm and from the left side above the diaphragm. Direction of Flow: Drains into the venous system at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins.