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

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

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 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

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

We might even extend the remark to the stomach and thoracic duct, which supply the material for making a brain, which certainly does not prove their superiority.

From Buchanan's Journal of Man, October 1887 Volume 1, Number 9 by Joseph R. (Joseph Rodes) Buchanan