MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The thoracic duct is the largest and most important lymphatic channel of the body (see Figs. 6-11 and 6-13). The thoracic duct drains the lower extremities, pelvis, abdomen, left side of the thorax, left upper extremity, and left side of the head and neck.

Detailed explanation-2: -These collecting vessels merge to form lymphatic trunks, before draining into the two largest trunks a.k.a. the lymphatic ducts (TA: vasa lymphatica majora) or great lymphatic vessels: thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct, on the left and right sides of the body respectively 10.

Detailed explanation-3: -The thoracic duct passes through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm into the posterior mediastinum continuing cephalad between the aorta and azygos vein until approximately the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra where it passes behind the esophagus.