Right lymphatic duct

The right lymphatic duct is an important lymphatic vessel that drains the right upper quadrant of the human body.^[1] It forms various combinations with the right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein.^[2][3]

Right lymphatic duct
The thoracic and right lymphatic ducts. (Right lymphatic duct is labeled at upper left.)
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
System	Lymphatic system
Source	Right jugular trunk
Drains to	Internal jugular vein
Identifiers
Latin	ductus lymphaticus dexter
TA98	A12.4.01.006
TA2	5132
FMA	5832
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

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.^[2][3] 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.^[4]

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)^[1]
• the right arm (via the right subclavian trunk)^[1]
• and right side of the head and neck (via the right jugular trunk)^[1]
• also, in some individuals, the lower lobe of the left lung.^[5]

All other sections of the human body are drained by the thoracic duct.^[2][6]

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.^[7] This can cause chylothorax.^[7]

History

The discovery of this structure has been credited to Niels Stensen.^[8]

Additional images

• 
  Deep lymph nodes and vessels of the thorax and abdomen (diagrammatic).

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 691 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

1. Carroll RG (2007-01-01). "Chapter 8: Vascular System". In Carroll RG (ed.). Elsevier's Integrated Physiology. Philadelphia: Mosby. pp. 77–89. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-04318-2.50014-5. ISBN 978-0-323-04318-2.
2. Kaipainen A, Bielenberg DR (2010-01-01). "Hemangiogenesis versus Lymphangiogenesis". In Dartt DA (ed.). Encyclopedia of the Eye. Oxford: Academic Press. pp. 227–232. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-374203-2.00125-1. ISBN 978-0-12-374203-2.
3. Jackson MA, Day JC (2018-01-01). "Chapter 16: Lymphatic System and Generalized Lymphadenopathy". In Long S, Prober CG, Fischer MS (eds.). Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Fifth ed.). Elsevier. pp. 128–135.e1. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-40181-4.00016-5. ISBN 978-0-323-40181-4.
4. Bergman RA, Afifi AK, Miyauchi R. "Cardiovascular System: Listing of the Cardiovascular System By Region: Lymphatics.". Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Opus II. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
5. Schuenke M, Schulte, Schumacher U, Ross LM, Lamperti ED, Voll M, Wesker K (24 May 2006). Thieme atlas of anatomy: Neck and internal organs. Thieme. pp. 136–. ISBN 978-3-13-142111-1.
6. Hirsch DL, Spink MJ (2012-01-01). "Chapter 53 - Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Treatment". In Bagheri SC, Bell RB, Khan HA (eds.). Current Therapy In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Saint Louis: W.B. Saunders. pp. 422–434. doi:10.1016/b978-1-4160-2527-6.00053-0. ISBN 978-1-4160-2527-6.
7. López A, Martinson SA (2017-01-01). "Chapter 9 - Respiratory System, Mediastinum, and Pleurae1". In Zachary JF (ed.). Pathologic Basis of Veterinary Disease (Sixth ed.). Mosby. pp. 471–560.e1. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-35775-3.00009-6. ISBN 978-0-323-35775-3. PMC 7271179.
8. Skandalakis JE (2004). Surgical Anatomy: The Embryologic And Anatomic Basis Of Modern Surgery.

External links