Editing Thoracic cavity (section)

== '''Lymphatics''' ==

=== '''Thoracic     duct:''' ===

** The main lymphatic channel      for the return of chyle to the venous system. It drains all lymph of the      body except the right arm, and right halves of thorax, head and neck.
** Commences at upper end of      the cisterna chyli (T12), between aorta and azygos vein. Enters through      diaphragm between these structures. Lies against right side of oesophagus      while passing upwards, then passes behind it and to left at T5 (about      aortic arch). Moves into superior mediastinum, posterior to aortic arch      and carotids. Then arches forwards, crossing over dome of pleura and left      subclavian artery, to enter the point of confluence of the left internal      jugular and subclavian veins.
** Has several valves.
** Relations
*** Anterior - oesophagus, left       atrium, carina
*** Posterior - vertebral       column, terminal hemiazygos, accessory hemiazygos, right posterior       intercostal arteries
*** Left lateral - descending       aorta, left lung, pleura
*** Right lateral - azygos,       right lung, pleura
** Variant anatomy
*** Variable in 40%
*** Double thoracic ducts in       20%
*** Aberrant termination - left       or right IJV, azygos, brachiocephalic vein, or left subclavian vein
*** Multiple terminal channels       from single duct with typical course








[[Category:Anatomy]]