Embryology and Surgical Anatomy of the Mediastinal Lymphatic System

Abstract

When the human embryo is about 10 mm in length, the lymphatic system emerges and develop into a complex network of intermingling vessels amd nodes. The existence in the embryonic period of both right and left thoracic ducts explains the presence of numerous variations in the origin, path, and flow of the thoracic duct. Both thoracic duct and right lymphatic duct deliver lymph fluid from all body into the venous system. If is of note, the thoracic duct provides 1-2 L lymph fluid into the venous circulation. Overall, the thoracic duct drains the lymph from entire body excluding the right part of thorax, the right upper member, and right parts of the head and neck. Herein, we discuss the basic knowledge regarding the embryology and surgical anatomy of thoracic duct.