Lymphatic
The lymphatic system consists of blind-ended lymph capillaries, conduits, thoracic duct, and lymphoid organs (nodes, spleen, thymus, tonsils) regulating interstitial fluid volume, lipid absorption, and immune defense.
Quantitative Metrics & Physiological Scale
Encapsulated bean-shaped biological filtration and immune surveillance stations
Interstitial fluid and protein reclaimed from tissue beds back into venous blood
Thoracic duct drains bilateral lower limbs, abdomen, left thorax, left arm, and left head
Lacteal capillaries absorb dietary long-chain triglycerides bypass hepatic portal
Physiological Role & Homeostasis
Reabsorption of interstitial plasma proteins and fluid preventing peripheral lymphedema
Filtration of cellular debris, particulate matter, and pathogen presentation in lymph nodes
Lipid absorption transport from gut lacteals through cisterna chyli into general circulation
Thoracic Duct vs Right Lymphatic Duct
| Feature / 比较维度 | Thoracic Duct / 胸导管 | Right Lymphatic Duct / 右淋巴导管 |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage Territory / 引流收集范围 | Drains 3/4 of the body (lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen, left chest/arm/head) / 收集下半身及左上半身（占全身淋巴液 75%） | Drains right upper quadrant only (right head/neck, right arm, right thorax) / 仅收集右上半身（右头颈、右上肢与右胸壁，占 25%） |
| Origin & Anatomical Start / 起始解剖标志 | Begins at cisterna chyli in front of L1-L2 vertebrae / 始于第 1-2 腰椎前方膨大的乳糜池囊状结构 | Short trunk formed by right jugular, subclavian & bronchomediastinal trunks / 由右颈干、右锁骨下干与右支气管纵隔干在锁骨后方汇成 |
| Venous Termination / 汇入静脉终点 | Empties into the Left Venous Angle (left internal jugular + subclavian) / 注入左静脉角（左颈内静脉与左锁骨下静脉汇合处） | Empties into the Right Venous Angle / 注入右静脉角 |
Full 3D Atlas Coverage
This system is fully interactive in the 3D Full-Body Atlas with complete anatomical parts, layer visibility toggling, and exploded view.
How to Study This System in 3D
Locate the cisterna chyli behind the right crus of diaphragm in the posterior abdominal wall.
Observe regional lymph node clustering along neurovascular bundles in the axillary, cervical, and inguinal triangles.
Explore Synergistic Anatomical Systems
For educational use only; not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.