Lymphatic system

Question 1

Thoracic duct drains

Answer 1

Lymph for 3/4s of the body (everywhere except RUQ)

Question 2

Right lymphatic duct drains

Answer 2

Lymph from the right upper quadrant

Question 3

Thoracic duct origin, location and drains

Answer 3

• Commences at L1 as cisterna chyli (behind right crus of diaphragm)
• Right side of the vertebral bodies between the azygous vein and descending thoracic aorta
• Crosses at T4 from right to left
• Drains into the medial end of the left subclavian vein

Question 4

Parietal lymph nodes of the thorax

Answer 4

1. Parasternal (along internal thoracic artery)
2. Phrenic/diaphragmatic (thoracic surface of diaphragm)
3. Intercostal (vertebral end of IC spaces)

Question 5

Parasternal lymph nodes receive lymph from

Answer 5

Anterior thoracic cavity

• Medial part of breast
• Intercostal spaces
• Costal pleura
• Diaphragm

Question 6

Phrenic lymph nodes receive lymph from

- drain to

Answer 6

• Pericardium
• Diaphragm (inferior thoracic cavity)
• Liver

Drain to parasternal lymph nodes

Question 7

Intercostal lymph nodes receive lymph from

Answer 7

• Posterior thoracic cavity

Question 8

Lymphatic drainage of the heart

Answer 8

• Tracheobronchial nodes (right inferior)

- Mediastinal (bronchopulmonary and paratracheal) lymph nodes