ANATOMY

Cisterna Duct is located in the Lumbar region of the abdominal Cavity. It is a common drainage trunk for the body’s lymphatic. It traverses to the lower body from the upward body. Situated to the right of the Abdominal Aorta at the back wall of the Abdominal Cavity, it is a large vessel. Its length is about 6cm. There it forms the Primary Lymph Vessels, the Thoracic Duct, which transports lymph and Chyle (milky bodily fluids, emulsified fats and non fatty acids) from abdomen to the junction of left Subclavian Vein (paired large vein on either sides of body) and Internal Jugular Veins (paired veins collecting blood from brain and some part of face and neck) through Aortic opening of the Diaphragm.

FUNCTION

Cisterna Chyli is one of the two reservoirs holding lymph and other bodily fluids found in lymphatic system. It receives and temporarily stores the lymph and body tissue fluids as it traverses upward body.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

If the Cisterna Chyli is accidentally ruptured it causes blood clot, intestinal problems and dilated veins in legs and abdomen, possibly the whole trunk.