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

See Examples For:

thoracic duct

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

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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Figure 21.4 Major Trunks and Ducts of the Lymphatic System The thoracic duct drains a much larger portion of the body than does the right lymphatic duct.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

Then the chyle, conveyed through the thoracic duct from its cistern in the mesentery, is carried to the vena cava, and so to the heart.

From Angelic Wisdom about Divine Providence by Wunsch, William F.