| Front | Thoracic duct |
|---|---|
| Back | Structure: large lyphatic vessel beginning at the cisterna chyli, where lumbar and intestinal trunks join (near aortic hiatus). 1. Ascends through posterior mediastinum between azygous vein and aorta. 2. Drifts to left in superior mediastinum and into thoracic inlet 3. Loops behind left internal jugular vein and gathers left bronchomediastinal, subclavian, and jugular trunks. 4. Empties into origin of left brachiocephalic vein Function: drains lymph from the lower half of the body and the upper left quadrant (3/4 of body) |
Tags: lymphatics
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