Thoracic Duct
Thoracic Duct - Related Videos
11:49
Surgical Induction of Endolymphatic Hydrops by Obliteration of the Endolymphatic Duct
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Cited by 12 •
2010
This video shows how to surgically obstruct the guinea pig's endolymphatic duct to produce endolymphatic hydrops.
06:57
Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
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Cited by 3 •
2020
Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.
01:15
Thoracic Aorta
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2024
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
05:18
Cannulation of the Mouse Submandibular Salivary Gland via the Wharton's Duct
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Cited by 17 •
2011
A protocol for the cannulation of the mouse submandibular salivary gland via the Wharton's duct is described. For this experiment, the trypan blue solution is used as a dyer to demonstrate how this technique effectively delivers infusions into the targeted gland, and to suggest the reliability of this new approach as a potential clinical drug/cell therapy for the regeneration of salivary glands.
01:17
The Thoracic Cage: Sternum
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2023
The thoracic or rib cage forms the body's thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, such as the heart and the lungs. It consists of 12 pairs of ribs with their costal cartilages and the sternum. The ribs are anchored posteriorly to the 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12). The sternum is the elongated bony structure on the anterior side of the thoracic cage. It consists of three parts: the manubrium, the body, and the xiphoid process.
FAQs
One-way flow depends on valves that limit backward movement, while vessel contraction provides active propulsion. Skeletal-muscle movement and breathing also assist transport by changing surrounding pressures and compressing the lymphatic pathway. Together, these mechanisms move lymph and intestinal chyle toward the venous circulation and help maintain effective fluid return.
The thoracic duct does not rely on a single force to move its contents. Breathing produces pressure changes within the thorax, and skeletal-muscle movement contributes external compression along lymphatic pathways. These influences support vessel contraction and valve-directed flow, linking ordinary body movements and respiration to lymphatic circulation and fluid balance.
Intestinal chyle enters the lymphatic pathway and is transported through the thoracic duct before reaching the bloodstream. This route connects intestinal lipid uptake with systemic circulation, allowing the duct to participate in fat transport rather than only fluid recovery. Its function therefore links digestive absorption with broader lymphatic and circulatory processes.
Because lymph passes through the thoracic duct on its route back to the bloodstream, the vessel is relevant to immune surveillance and the movement of disease-related material through lymphatic pathways. Its anatomy helps biology and medicine examine how lymphatic circulation may participate in metastatic spread and how disease can extend beyond an original site.
The duct’s course through the thorax and its venous termination provide essential anatomical landmarks for evaluating lymphatic circulation. Imaging and surgical planning can use this pathway to investigate abnormal lymph movement or to manage conditions involving the vessel. Understanding its typical anatomy also helps clinicians interpret variation and anticipate clinically important drainage relationships.
Chylothorax is relevant to the thoracic duct because disruption or abnormal leakage of the lymphatic pathway can allow chyle to accumulate within the thorax. Studying the duct’s anatomy and transported contents helps connect the clinical finding with lymphatic function. This relationship supports diagnostic evaluation and informs surgical management of the condition.