The thoracic duct drains the lymph from which of the following combined territories?

• A Left upper limb, left head and neck, and bilateral lower limbs and abdomen
• B Entire body except right arm and right side of head and neck ✓
• C Bilateral lower limbs and bilateral thoracic viscera only
• D Left half of the entire body plus right lower limb

Explanation

The thoracic duct (the largest lymphatic vessel) drains approximately three-quarters of the body: both lower limbs, the pelvis, abdomen, left thorax, left upper limb, and left head and neck. The right lymphatic duct (formed from the junction of right jugular, subclavian, and bronchomediastinal trunks) drains the right upper limb, right thorax, and right head and neck — i.e., the right upper quadrant of the body. Therefore, the thoracic duct drains everything EXCEPT the right arm and right head and neck (the territory of the right lymphatic duct).

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.