Which parts of the body drain into the thoracic duct?

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The thoracic duct serves as the primary channel for the lymphatic system, responsible for draining lymph from the majority of the body.1

While the right lymphatic duct is responsible for draining the upper right portion of the body, the thoracic duct collects and returns lymph to the bloodstream from all other regions, including:1

  • The lower body
  • The left side of the head and neck
  • The left arm
  • The left side of the thorax

The duct originates near the small of the back and ascends along the front of the backbone, eventually emptying into the venous system at the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins.213