Thoracic duct

Question 1

Thoracic duct?

Answer 1

• Continuation of the cisterna chyli in the abdomen.
• Enters the thorax at T12.
• Lies posterior to the oesophagus for most of its intrathoracic course. Passes to the left at T5.
• Lymphatics draining the left side of the head and neck join the thoracic duct prior to its insertion into the left brachiocephalic vein.
• Lymphatics draining the right side of the head and neck drain via the subclavian and jugular trunks into the right lymphatic duct and thence into the mediastinal trunk and eventually the right brachiocephalic vein.
• Its location in the thorax makes it prone to injury during oesophageal surgery. Some surgeons administer cream to patients prior to oesophagectomy so that it is easier to identify the cut ends of the duct.