Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology

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However, if lymphatics become obstructed by blockage,
then an excessive amount of interstitial fluid will develop
in tissue spaces and result in swelling or edema.
Eventually, the efferent lymphatic vessels unite to form
lymphatic trunks (Figure 15-6). The principal lymphatic trunks
of the body are the lumbar trunk, the intestinal trunk, the
bronchomediastinal (brong-koh-mee-dee-ass-TYE-nal)
trunk, the intercostal trunk, the subclavian (sub-KLAY-
vee - an) trunk, and the jugular trunk.
The lumbar trunk drains lymph from the lower ex-
tremities, the walls and viscera of the pelvis, the kidneys
and adrenal glands, and most of the abdominal wall. The
intestinal trunk drains lymph from the stomach, in-

Chapter 15

is, arms, hands, and fingers. Finally, the jugular trunk

drains the head and neck.

These principal trunks now pass their lymph into two

main channels: the thoracic duct, which is the main col-

lecting duct of the system and is also known as the left lym-

phatic duct, and the right lymphatic duct (Figure 15-7).

Ultimately, the thoracic duct empties all of its lymph into

the left subclavian vein and the right lymphatic duct

empties all of its lymph into the right subclavian vein, so

the journey of the lymph is now completed. The lymph

testines, pancreas, spleen, and the surface of the liver. The
bronchomediastinal trunk drains the thorax, lungs, heart,
diaphragm, and the rest of the liver. The intercostal trunk
also helps drain lymph from portions of the thorax. The
subclavian trunk drains the upper extremities, that

Cervical

nodes

Submandibular

nodes

Right

lymphatic duct

Left internal

jugular vein

Thoracic duct

entering venous

system

Jugular trunk

Right

lymphatic duct

Brachiocephalic

vein

Bronchomediastinal

trunk

Intercostal

trunk

Internal

jugular vein

Subclavian

trunk

Thoracic

duct

Intestinal

trunk^

Lumbar

trunk

Lymphatic

vessels

(^) ®
Learning
Cengage
Axillary
nodes
Inguinal
nodes
Left subclavian
vein
Left
brachiocephalic
vein
Thoracic
duct
(^) ®
Learning
Cengage ©
(^2016) ©
Figure 15- 7 Lymphatic trunks pass their lymph into two main
collecting ducts, the thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct.
These ducts empty into the left and right subclavian veins,^
Figure 15- 6 The principal lymphatic trunks of the
body.
(^) respectively.