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

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

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

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 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

Eustachius, in the sixteenth century, had discovered the thoracic duct in the horse, although he seems to have thought that it was peculiar to that animal.

From Fathers of Biology by McRae, Charles