996 



THE VASCULAR SYSTEM. 



THE TERMINAL LYMPH VESSELS. 



The terminal lymph vessels are the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct. 

 Ductus Thoracicus. The thoracic duct is by far the larger and the longer 

 of the two terminal lymph vessels. It commences, in the epigastric region of 



t-> e "o 



"3 -2 -? 



Descending thoracic 

 lymphatic trunk 



Descending thoracic 

 lymphatic trunk 

 Inferior phrenic 

 artery 



Suprarenal-gland 

 Cceliac artery 



Superior mesenterk- 



artery 



Common intestinal 



lymphatic trunk 



Renal artery 



Renal vein 



Thoracic duct 



Cisterna chyli 



Suprarenal gland 



Inferior vena cava 



Right renal artery 



Left renal vein 



Lumbar veins 



ife i; , r^iiirrtn 



Common lumbar 

 ymphatic trunks 



FIG. 798. THE THORACIC DUCT AND ITS TRIBUTARIES. 



the abdomen, as an elongated ovoid dilation the cisterna chyli which measures 

 6, to 8 mm. (| to J in.) in its broadest diameter, and from 50 to 75 mm. (2 to 3 in.) 

 in length. The cisterna chyli lies between the aorta and the lower part of 

 vena azygos, posterior to the right crus of the diaphragm, and opposite the f 

 and second lumbar vertebrae. Passing upwards from the cisterna, the thoracic 

 duct traverses the aortic opening of the diaphragm and enters the posterio 



