Right Lymphatic Duct

The vessels that are meant for draining lymphatic fluid are called lymph vessels or ducts. One such vessels is the right lymphatic duct. As the name indicates, it is present on the right side of the body. This duct serves to form a connection between right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein. But sometimes, instead of connecting right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein, this duct directly drains into the junction of these two vessels. This is an uncommon condition.

Cervical Lymph Nodes Palatine Tonsil Axlillary Lymph Nodes Right Lymphatic Duct Spleen Thoracic Duct Inguinal Lymph Nodes Cisterna Chyli
Popliteal Lymph Nodes Epitrochlear Lymph Nodes Thymus

Right Lymphatic Duct

DIMENSIONS AND COURSE

This duct is small, unlike the left lymphatic duct. It is only 1.25 cm in length.

The course of this lymphatic duct lies along the medial border of anterior scalenus (scalenus anterior) muscle, at the base of neck.

AREAS DRAINED

Drainage of lymph from different territories is the basic function of this duct. The areas drained by this duct include:

Right portion of the trunk.
Right arm.
Right side of neck and head.
Lower lobe of left lung (in some individuals).

The other parts of the body are drained by left lymphatic duct.

CLINICAL CONDITIONS

Some clinical conditions associated with right lymphatic duct include:

The infection of lymph vessels lead to inflammation and blockage of these channels. This condition is called lymphangitis.
Sometime, multiple lesions or cysts might develop in these ducts. This condition is given the name of lymphangiomatosis.
The most common organism affecting these ducts is S.pyogenes.

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