What is cisterna chyli and thoracic duct?

The cisterna chyli (or cysterna chyli, and etymologically more correct, receptaculum chyli) is a dilated sac at the lower end of the thoracic duct in most mammals into which lymph from the intestinal trunk and two lumbar lymphatic trunks flow.

What is the thoracic duct connected to?

The thoracic duct usually starts from the level of the twelfth thoracic vertebrae (T12) and extends to the root of the neck. It drains into the systemic (blood) circulation at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins, at the commencement of the brachiocephalic vein.

Which duct does the cisterna chyli empty into?

thoracic duct
The upper end of the cisterna chyli continues as the thoracic duct which ascends in the posterior mediastinum to empty into the left subclavian vein.

What is the location of the cisterna chyli?

The cisterna chyli is a dilated lymphatic sac in the retrocrural space. It is located at the origin of the thoracic duct and is seen in approximately 50% of lymphangiographic studies (,1) and 20% of autopsies (,2).

What is the purpose of the cisterna chyli?

The cisterna chyli is a large midline lymphatic collecting structure located just inferior to the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. It collects lymphatics from the lower extremities via left and right lateral branches and from the intestinal tract via an intestinal branch.

Is cisterna chyli second heart?

cisterna chyli is supposed to be the second heart of humans… In the abdomen, cleansed lymph from the intestines is collected in the cysterna chyli, and, except for the upper R quadrant of the body, is collected into the thoracic duct which empties into the circulatory system through the L subclavian vein .

What does the thoracic duct do?

The function of the thoracic duct is to transport lymph back into the circulatory system. Interstitial fluid is collected by lymph capillaries from the interstitial space. Lymph then moves through lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes. Lymphatic vessels merge to create the lymphatic ducts which drain into the venous system.

What is the difference between the thoracic duct and the lymphatic duct?

The lymphatic vessels return the lymph to the venous system via two main channels: The right lymphatic duct drains the right thorax, upper limb, head and neck. The thoracic duct drains all lymph from the lower half of the body.

Where does the thoracic duct drain directly into?

internal jugular veins
The thoracic duct continues superiorly to empty into the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins. The right lymphatic duct drains the right side of the thorax, right upper extremity, and right side of the neck and head.

How is the cisterna chyli formed?

Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations These chains travel posterior and parallel to the aorta and IVC and are formed by the coalescence of the common iliac lymph vessels. Typically, both lymphatic trunks merge posterior and medial to the aorta to form the cisterna chyli (Fig. 40-6).

Does the thoracic duct drain to cisterna chyli?

The thoracic duct, a 2- to 3-mm-wide thin-walled conduit, leaves the cisterna chyli and passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm on the anterior surface of the vertebral body between the aorta and the azygos vein into the posterior mediastinum.

Is cisterna chyli part of thoracic duct?

The cisterna chyli is the abdominal origin of the thoracic duct, and it receives the bilateral lumbar lymphatic trunks. It is located in the retrocrural space, to the right side and behind of the abdominal aorta.

Where is the cisterna chyli located in the thoracic duct?

The cisterna chyli is the abdominal origin of the thoracic duct, and it receives the bilateral lumbar lymphatic trunks. It is located in the retrocrural space, to the right side and behind of the abdominal aorta.

Are there anatomic variations of the thoracic duct?

There are many anatomic variations of the thoracic duct. A cisterna chyli is present in about half of individuals. When embryologic lymphatic trunks converge above the T12 vertebral level, the cisterna chyli is generally absent, but there may be dilation of lower lumbar trunks.

Where does the lymphatic drainage of the thoracic duct go?

Examination of the Thoracic Duct and Cisterna Chyli. The cisterna chyli receives the lymphatic drainage in the abdomen, just posterior to the aorta. It passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, where it continues as the thoracic duct.

Where is the cisterna chyli on a CT scan?

A normal structure is shown—the cisterna chyli—which is inconsistently seen on clinical thoracic CT scans. The cisterna chyli is typically located between the distal thoracic or upper abdominal aorta and azygos vein in the right posterior mediastinum or retrocrural space, posterior to the right diaphragmatic crus.