Human Anatomy: Part 2 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2008

Special Part
Lymphatic system (systema lymphaticum [systema lymphoideum]) — General Overview
Links of the lymphatic system — Lymphatic trunks

Lymphatic trunks, trunci lymphatici, drain Lymph from groups of Organs and specific Regions of the body.

The following lymphatic trunks are distinguished:

1. Lumbar trunks (right and left), truncus lumbalis dexter et sinister

2. Intestinal trunks, trunci intestinales.

3. Right and left bronchomediastinal trunk, truncus mediastinalis dexter et sinister.

4. Subclavian trunk (right and left), truncus subclavius dexter et sinister.

5. Right and left jugular trunk, truncus jugularis dexter et sinister.

The right and left lumbar trunks, truncus lumbalis dexter et sinister, drain lymph from the lower limbs, pelvic organs and walls, and abdominal walls. The intestinal trunks, trunci intestinales, drain lymph from the abdominal organs. The left bronchomediastinal trunk, truncus mediastinalis sinister, drains lymph from the left half of the Thorax, the left half of the Mediastinum, and the left pleural cavity. The left subclavian trunk, truncus subclavius sinister, drains the upper limb. The left jugular trunk, truncus jugularis sinister, drains the left half of the HEAD and Neck. Lymph from the right half of the head and neck drains into the right jugular trunk, truncus jugularis dexter. The right subclavian trunk, truncus subclavius dexter, drains lymph from the right upper limb. Lymph from the right chest wall and Organs of the right hemithorax drains into the right bronchomediastinal trunk, truncus bronchomediastinalis dexter. These three trunks unite to form the Right lymphatic duct, ductus lymphaticus dexter.

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Fig. 105. Patterns of division of the cervical part of the Thoracic duct (according to D. A. Zhdanov)



Last update: 08/08/2026

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