Thoracic duct Definition it is defined as largest lymphatic channel of body Course - it starts as a blind pouch in abdomen known as cysterna

a chyle at the level of L1 thoracic duct enters in thorax by passing through diaphragm at the level of T12 i.e. aortic opening It ascends upward in posterior mediastinum on RT side of midline up to the level of T5 At the level of T5 thoracic ducts changes its course from RT side to LT side of midline It ascends upwards in superior mediastinum on LT side then it goes in neck region and opens at the junction bet LT internal jugular vein and LT subclavian vein Shape it is beaded because inner side of it shows multiple unidirectional valves Relations of thoracic ducts It is related anteriorly to diaphragm, pleura, arch of aorta, LT subclavian artery and Oesophagus It is related posteriorly to vertebral column, posterior intercostal vessels

Then to the RT side in lower part it is related to azygos vein, upper part of oesophagus On the LT side lower part aorta and upper part of pleura Function - it collects and drains lymph from LT side and HNF, abdomen LT half of thorax and both lower limb, LT superior extremity Rest is drained by RT lymphatic duct which opens at the junction of RT subclavian vein and RT intercostal vein Applied anatomy 1. Filaria in filerrasis lymphatic channels are involved this leads to blockage of lymphatic channel of lower part of body it leads to condition known as elephantiasis

2. Filaria is mosquito borne disease 3. Chylothorax - sometimes it is accidental injuries ,thoracic duct is damaged this leads to collection of lymph on thorax called as chylothorax