thoracic duct

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. the main trunk of the lymphatic system, passing along the spinal column in the thoracic cavity, and conveying a large amount of lymph and chyle into the venous circulation.

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thoracic duct British  

noun

1. the major duct of the lymphatic system, beginning below the diaphragm and ascending in front of the spinal column to the base of the neck

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Etymology

Origin of thoracic duct

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

The lymph from the rest of the body enters the bloodstream through the thoracic duct via all the remaining lymphatic trunks.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The aorta, thoracic duct, and azygous vein pass through the aortic hiatus of the posterior diaphragm.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

On the left side of the body, the remaining portions of the body drain into the larger thoracic duct, which drains into the left subclavian vein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The chylomicrons are transported in the lymphatic vessels and empty through the thoracic duct into the subclavian vein of the circulatory system.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The artery lies excessively deep, and great difficulty is experienced in avoiding injury to the pleura and the thoracic duct.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph