thoracic duct

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Word: Thoracic Duct

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The thoracic duct is a major tube in the body that is part of the lymphatic system. It carries lymph, a fluid that contains white blood cells and helps the body fight infections. The thoracic duct collects lymph from most of the body and drains it into the bloodstream.

Usage Instructions:

• The term "thoracic duct" is mainly used in medical and biological contexts. It may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, but it’s important for understanding how the body works, especially in health and medicine.

Example Sentence:

• "The thoracic duct plays a crucial role in the immune system by transporting lymph back into the bloodstream."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "lymphatic drainage" or "chylothorax," which refers to the accumulation of lymph in the thoracic cavity due to a rupture in the thoracic duct.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "thoracic duct," but related terms include:
  • Lymphatic system: The network of vessels and organs that help circulate lymph.
  • Lymph: The fluid that the thoracic duct transports.

Different Meanings:

• The term "thoracic" refers to the chest area in anatomy, while "duct" generally means a tube or passageway in the body. Thus, "thoracic duct" specifically refers to the duct located in the chest.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "thoracic duct," but you could refer to it as a "lymphatic duct" in a broader sense.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "thoracic duct," as it is a technical term specific to anatomy.

Summary:

The thoracic duct is an important part of the lymphatic system that helps maintain fluid balance and immune function in the body. It’s a specialized term mostly used in healthcare and biology.

Academic

Noun

1. the major duct of the lymphatic system