thoracic duct (Pecquet's duct, van Horne's canal)

Introduction

The largest lymph vessel in the body originating at the cisterna chyli at about the 2nd lumbar vertebrae (L2), extending superiorly to pass through the aortic opening of the diaphragm & across the posterior mediastinum & empty into the venous system at the origin of the left brachiocephalic vein.

More general terms

• lymph vessel (lymphatic vessel)
• ductus

Component of

• lymphatic system