Thoracic Duct

In human anatomy, the thoracic duct of the lymphatic system is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. It is also known as the left lymphatic duct, alimentary duct, chyliferous duct, and Van Hoorne's canal.

In adults, the thoracic duct is typically 38-45cm in length and an average diameter of about 5mm. It usually starts from the level of the second lumbar vertebra and extends to the root of the neck. It collects most of the lymph in the body (except that from the right arm and the right side of the chest, neck and head, and lower left lobe of the lung, which is collected by the right lymphatic duct) and drains into the systemic (blood) circulation at the left brachiocephalic vein between the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.