Definition

1. Noun:
   • The major duct of the lymphatic system: The thoracic duct is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. It collects lymph from most of the body and drains it into the venous blood circulation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The thoracic duct transports lymph from the lower limbs and abdomen.
  • Damage to the thoracic duct during surgery can lead to a leakage of lymph, called chylothorax.

Advanced Usage

• Medical Context: The term is primarily used in anatomical, physiological, and medical contexts.
  • The imaging study showed a blockage in the thoracic duct.

Variants and Related Words

• Lymphatic duct: A general term for the two main trunks (the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct) that drain lymph into veins.
• Cisterna chyli: The dilated sac at the lower end of the that receives lymph from the intestines.

Synonyms

• Main lymphatic duct: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its primary role in the lymphatic system.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Lymph: The clear fluid transported by the .
• Venous angle: The junction where the typically empties into the left subclavian vein.

Noun

1. the major duct of the lymphatic system