Right lymphatic duct

Right lymphatic duct
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The thoracic and right lymphatic ducts. (Right lymphatic duct is labeled at upper left.)
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Terminal collecting trunks of right side. a. Jugular trunk. b. Subclavian trunk. c. Bronchomediastinal trunk. d. Right lymphatic trunk. e. Gland of internal mammary chain. f. Gland of deep cervical chain.
Details
SystemLymphatic system
Sourceright jugular trunk
Drains tointernal jugular vein
Identifiers
Latinductus lymphaticus dexter
TA98A12.4.01.006
TA25132
FMA5832
Anatomical terminology

The right lymphatic duct is an important lymphatic vessel that drains the right upper quadrant of the body. It forms various combinations with the right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein.

Structure

The right lymphatic duct courses along the medial border of the anterior scalene at the root of the neck. The right lymphatic duct forms various combinations with the right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein. It is approximately 1.25 cm long.[citation needed]

Variations

A right lymphatic duct that enters directly into the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins is uncommon.

Function

Diagram showing parts of the body that drain into the right lymphatic duct.

The right duct drains lymph fluid from:

  • the upper right section of the trunk, (right thoracic cavity, via the right bronchomediastinal trunk ),
  • the right arm (via the right subclavian trunk ),
  • and right side of the head and neck (via the right jugular trunk),
  • also, in some individuals, the lower lobe of the left lung.

All other sections of the human body are drained by the thoracic duct.

Clinical significance

Along with the thoracic duct, the right lymphatic duct is one of the lymphatic structures most likely to be ruptured in the thorax. This can cause chylothorax.

History

The discovery of this structure has been credited to Niels Stensen.

Additional images


This page was last updated at 2023-01-06 13:46 UTC. Update now. View original page.

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