25.3 : 림프관과 림프 수송

Lymphatic vessels, or lymphatics, transport lymph from peripheral tissues to the venous system.

The journey of lymph begins in the thin-walled lymphatic capillaries, which are closed at one end and interspersed with blood capillaries within the loose connective tissue.

Lymph from the lymphatic capillaries drains into superficial and deep lymphatic vessels, merging to form larger trunks that empty into the right lymphatic and thoracic ducts.

The right lymphatic duct, formed by the convergence of the right jugular, subclavian, and bronchomediastinal trunks, drains lymph from the right side of the body above the diaphragm.

Conversely, the thoracic duct drains from all the organs below the diaphragm and on the left side above the diaphragm.

The thoracic duct starts anterior to the vertebral column as cisterna chyli, fed by the right and left lumbar and intestinal trunks.

The thoracic duct ascends posteriorly, fed by the left bronchomediastinal, subclavian, and jugular trunks.

Ultimately, the thoracic and right lymphatic ducts empty into the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins on each side of the body, joining the venous circulation.