There are 3 types of vessels in the human body. Each of them performs vital functions. These include arteries, veins, and lymph vessels. 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. She is very important, because the ability to fight various infectious agents depends on her work. One of the largest organs of this system is considered to be the thoracic lymphatic duct. Its length ranges from 30 to 40 cm. The main purpose of this body is to collect lymph from all anatomical formations.
According to the histological structure of the thoracic duct resembles venous tissue. Its inner surface is lined with endothelium (like other vessels). The fabric also has elastic and collagen fibers. In the inner shell of the duct there are valves. 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 diaphragm level, the organ wall thickens.
The 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 the 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, beneficial 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 each organ and form networks. They interstitial fluid, as well as all the necessary proteins and fats.
- The lymph nodes. They are located near each organ along the veins and arteries. In the nodes there is a cleansing of the lymph - filtering. Harmful and toxic substances are inactivated. The nodes belong to the organs of the immune system, as lymphocytes are produced in them. These cells are essential for fighting infectious agents.
- Lymphatic vessels. They connect the capillaries and nodes with each other. Then the vessels go to larger formations - ducts. A large amount of lymph collected from all organs accumulates there. Then it is processed, after which it enters the venous system. The thoracic lymphatic duct collects fluid from the upper left half of the trunk and internal organs.
- Spleen. Serves as a blood depot.
- Right lymphatic duct. It collects fluid from the remaining anatomical formations. Among them is the right upper limb, half of the head and neck.
- Thymus - thymus gland. This organ is well developed in children. In it, the formation of immune cells - T-lymphocytes.
- Tonsils.
- Lymph is a fluid circulating through vessels and trunks that flow into the ducts.
All these formations are interconnected. If one of the links of the lymphatic system is damaged, the disturbances also affect its other components. As a result, disorders 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 flow? The right and left trunks merge together at a level between the last (12) thoracic and 2 lumbar vertebrae. In some people, another 1-3 vessels flow into the thoracic duct. These are intestinal trunks that carry lymph from the mesenteric nodes.
At the diaphragm level, the duct is divided into 2 parts - the abdominal and thoracic. 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 (ampuloid) expansion - a cistern. This anatomical formation is connected to the right leg of the diaphragm. Due to which, when breathing, the lymph is pushed up.
The thoracic duct begins at the level of the aortic orifice located in the diaphragm. Reaching the 3-5 vertebra, the vessel deviates to the left side. In the course of the duct, the bronchomediastinal, jugular and subclavian lymph trunks flow into it. They collect fluid from the left arm, half of the chest, neck and head. At level 7 of the vertebra, the vessel forms an arc. Then the thoracic lymphatic duct flows into the left venous corner. There is a valve at the mouth of the vessel. It is necessary to prevent the reflux of blood from the venous system.
The location of the lymphatic duct
The 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 leaves the esophagus and rises higher.
In front of it are: the left subclavian vein, common carotid artery and vagus nerve. Thus, the organ is in the upper mediastinum. To the left of the duct is the pleura, behind is the spine, and to the right is the esophagus. The arch of the thoracic duct is formed at the level of blood vessels - the jugular vein and the common carotid artery. She goes around the pleural dome, and then goes to the mouth. There, the organ flows into the left venous corner.
Thoracic duct function
The thoracic duct performs the following functions:
- The main purpose of this organ is to collect interstitial fluid from internal organs and the left half of the body.
- Transfer of necessary proteins to the venous system.
- Fats also enter the intestinal lymphatic vessels. Then they enter the bloodstream.
- Lymph filtration. In the nodes and ducts, the liquid is cleaned 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 independently. Its functions are carried out with the coordinated work of all parts of the immune system.
The location of the lymphatic vessels in the body
Based on the structure of the anatomy of the thoracic lymphatic duct, you can understand where the vessels are. They are located throughout the body. The 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, biological fluid is enriched by immune cells. Outgoing vessels are formed from the nodes, which flow into the lymphatic trunks. In turn, these formations merge into the right and thoracic ducts. Then there is a connection of the lymphatic and blood vessels.
Damage to the thoracic duct: symptoms
Depending on the level of damage to the lymphatic duct, various clinical manifestations may be observed. This organ belongs to large anatomical formations, therefore, with the injury of this vessel, urgent surgical care is required. Damage also means obstruction of the duct or inflammation of its wall. The following symptoms may occur:
- Muscle pain and weakness.
- Neuralgia.
- Functional disorders of the intestines, stomach and esophagus.
- Weight loss or, on the contrary, weight gain.
- Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs and membranes of the brain.
- Metabolic disease.
- Skin pathology.
- Hair loss on the affected side.
- Arrhythmias.
Diseases of the lymphatic vessels and nodes: diagnosis
With 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, discomfort is noted. If cancer processes in the lymphatic organs are suspected, a biopsy and histological analysis are performed. Also, diagnostic procedures include ultrasound, computed tomography.
Which doctor should I contact if I suspect a chest duct disease?
With frequent inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, skin, muscles and intercostal nerves, you should consult a doctor. Diagnose the pathology of the thoracic duct using a special study of lymphography. If you suspect inflammation or an oncological process, you should consult a general practitioner who will refer you to a profile doctor (immunologist, oncologist, physiotherapist).