Anatomy · Heart and Thorax Anatomy

The thoracic duct terminates by draining into which of the following?

  • A Left brachiocephalic vein
  • B Junction of the right subclavian and right internal jugular veins
  • C Junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins
  • D Left brachiocephalic trunk near the aortic arch
Correct answer: C. Junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins

Explanation

The thoracic duct begins at the cisterna chyli at L1 to L2, ascends in the posterior mediastinum, crosses to the left at T5, arches laterally at the root of the neck, and empties into the angle between the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins. It drains lymph from the whole body except the right head and neck, right upper limb, and right half of the thorax, which drain via the right lymphatic duct into the right venous angle.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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