There are 3 types of blood vessels in the human body. Each of them performs vital functions. These include arteries, veins, and lymphatics. All these formations are located throughout the body. Lymphatic and venous vessels collect fluid from each anatomical formation. With the development of blockage, significant violations occur. Therefore, it is important that the outflow of biological fluid is constantly carried out.
Thoracic lymphatic duct - what is this organ?
As you know, lymphatic formations are classified as organs of the immune system. It is very important, because the ability to fight various infectious agents depends on its work. One of the largest organs of this system is the thoracic lymphatic duct. Its length ranges from 30 to 40 cm. The main purpose of this organ is to collect lymph from all anatomical formations.
The histological structure of the thoracic duct resembles venous tissue. Its inner surface is lined with endothelium (as in other vessels). Also included in the fabricthere are elastic and collagen fibers. There are valves in the inner shell of the duct. With their help, the lymph moves up. The middle layer of the thoracic duct is represented by smooth muscle tissue. Thus, the tone is maintained and the organ is contracted. Outside, the duct consists of connective tissue fibers. At the level of the diaphragm, the wall of the organ thickens.
Structure of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body. It is necessary to protect against harmful substances. The thoracic lymphatic duct, as well as vessels and nodes, belong to the organs of the immune system. Therefore, with the development of inflammation, these formations begin to work in an enhanced rhythm. In addition, the lymphatic organs are closely related to the cardiovascular system. Thanks to them, useful substances enter the bloodstream. This system is represented by the following bodies:
- Lymphatic capillaries. In structure, these formations are similar to veins, but their walls are thinner. Capillaries are present in every organ and form networks. They get interstitial fluid, as well as all the necessary proteins and fats.
- Lymph nodes. They are located near each organ along the veins and arteries. In the nodes, the lymph is cleansed - filtration. Harmful and toxic substances are inactivated. Nodes belong to the organs of the immune system, since they produce lymphocytes. These cells are needed to fight infectious agents.
- Lymphatic vessels. They connect capillaries and nodes to each other. Then the vessels go to largerformations - ducts. There accumulates a large amount of lymph collected from all organs. Then it is processed, after which it enters the venous system. The thoracic lymphatic duct collects fluid from the left upper half of the trunk and internal organs.
- Spleen. Performs the functions of a blood depot.
- Right lymphatic duct. It collects fluid from the remaining anatomical formations. Among them are the right upper limb, half of the head and neck.
- Thymus is the thymus gland. This organ is well developed in children. It is the formation of immune cells - T-lymphocytes.
- Tonsils.
- Lymph is a fluid that circulates through the vessels and trunks that flow into the ducts.
All these formations are interconnected. If one of the links of the lymphatic system is damaged, other parts of the lymphatic system are also affected. As a result, disturbances occur throughout the body.
The course of the thoracic lymphatic duct: anatomy
The left and right lumbar lymphatic trunk participate in the formation of the thoracic duct. That is, the organ is formed in the retroperitoneal space. Where does the thoracic duct begin and where does it empty? The right and left trunks merge with each other at the level between the last (12th) thoracic and 2nd lumbar vertebrae. In some people, another 1-3 vessels flow into the thoracic duct. These are intestinal trunks that carry lymph away from the nodes of the mesentery.
At the level of the diaphragm, the duct is divided into 2 parts - the abdominal andchest. The first is formed by a network of mesenteric, lumbar and celiac lymph nodes. In most cases, in the abdominal part of the duct there is a cone-shaped (ampulla-shaped) extension - a cistern. This anatomical formation connects to the right crus of the diaphragm. Due to which, when breathing, the lymph is pushed up.
The thoracic part of the duct begins at the level of the aortic opening located in the diaphragm. Reaching 3-5 vertebrae, the vessel deviates to the left side. Along the duct, the bronchomediastinal, jugular and subclavian lymphatic trunks flow into it. They collect fluid from the left arm, half of the chest, neck and head. At the level of the 7th vertebra, the vessel forms an arc. After that, the thoracic lymphatic duct flows into the left venous angle. There is a valve at the mouth of the vessel. It is necessary to prevent reflux of blood from the venous system.
Location of the lymphatic thoracic duct
Topography of the thoracic lymphatic duct is the location of this organ in relation to other anatomical formations. The abdominal part of this large vessel is located behind the esophagus and in front of the spinal column. Penetrating into the chest cavity, the duct enters the posterior mediastinum. There it is located between the aorta and the unpaired vein. At the level of 2-3 thoracic vertebrae, the duct exits from under the esophagus and rises higher.
In front of him are: the left subclavian vein, the common carotid artery and the vagus nerve. Thus, the organ is in the upper mediastinum. To the left of the streamthe pleura is located, behind - the spine, and on the right - the esophagus. The arch of the thoracic duct is formed at the level of the vessels - the jugular vein and the common carotid artery. It goes around the pleural dome, and then goes into the mouth. There the organ flows into the left venous angle.
Functions of the thoracic lymphatic duct
The thoracic duct performs the following functions:
- The main purpose of this organ is to collect interstitial fluid from the internal organs and the left half of the body.
- Transport of essential proteins into the venous system.
- Fat also enters the intestinal lymphatic vessels. After which they enter the bloodstream.
- Lymph filtering. In the nodes and ducts, the liquid is cleared of harmful substances.
- The formation of B-lymphocytes that perform the protective function of the body.
It is worth noting that the thoracic duct cannot act on its own. Its functions are carried out with the coordinated work of all parts of the immune system.
Location of lymphatic vessels in the body
Based on how the anatomy of the thoracic lymphatic duct is arranged, one can understand where the vessels are located. They are located throughout the body. Vascular lymphatic plexuses depart from all anatomical formations. Then they go along the veins and arteries. Near each organ there are groups of lymph nodes. In them, the biological fluid is enriched with immune cells. From the nodes, efferent vessels are formed that flow intointo the lymphatics. In turn, these formations merge into the right and thoracic ducts. Next comes the connection of the lymphatic and blood vessels.
Thoracic duct injury: symptoms
Depending on the level of damage to the lymphatic duct, various clinical manifestations can be observed. This organ belongs to large anatomical formations, therefore, if this vessel is injured, urgent surgical care is required. A lesion also means blockage of the duct or inflammation of its wall. You may experience the following symptoms:
- Muscle pain and weakness.
- Neuralgia.
- Functional disorders of the intestines, stomach and esophagus.
- Loss of body weight or, conversely, weight gain.
- Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs and membranes of the brain.
- Metabolic disorders.
- Skin pathologies.
- Hair loss on affected side.
- Arrhythmias.
Diseases of the lymphatic vessels and nodes: diagnosis
In inflammatory diseases of the lymphatic vessels and nodes, they increase in size. In this case, hyperemia and a local increase in temperature can be observed. The nodes become denser, with palpation, unpleasant sensations are noted. If oncological processes in the lymphatic organs are suspected, a biopsy and histological analysis are performed. Also, diagnostic procedures include ultrasound, computed tomography.
Kwhich doctor should I contact if I suspect a disease of the thoracic duct?
If you have frequent inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, skin, muscles and intercostal nerves, you should consult a doctor. It is possible to diagnose the pathology of the thoracic duct with the help of a special study of lymphography. If you suspect inflammation or an oncological process, you should contact your general practitioner, who will refer you to a specialized doctor (immunologist, oncologist, physiotherapist).
