The right lymphatic duct, about 1.25 cm. in length, courses along the medial border of the Scalenus anterior

Scalenus anterior

The Scalenus anterior , also known as anterior scalene muscle, lies deeply at the side of the neck, behind the Sternocleidomastoideus.-Anatomy:...

 at the root of the neck. In most cases it ends in the right subclavian vein

Subclavian vein

The subclavian veins are two large veins, one on either side of the body. Their diameter is approximately that of the smallest finger.-Path:Each subclavian vein is a continuation of the axillary vein and runs from the outer border of the first rib to the medial border of anterior scalene muscle...

, at its angle of junction with the right internal jugular vein

Internal jugular vein

The two internal jugular veins collect the blood from the brain, the superficial parts of the face, and the neck.-Path:On both sides and at the base of the brain, the inferior petrosal sinus and the sigmoid sinus join to form the internal jugular vein...

, although the termination can be variable, however this is not proven.

Its orifice is guarded by two semilunar valves, which prevent the passage of venous blood into the duct.

Drainage

The right duct drains lymph fluid from:

• the upper right section of the trunk, (right thoracic cavity, via the right bronchomediastinal trunk),
• the right arm (via the right subclavian trunk),
• and right side of the head and neck (via the right jugular trunk),
• also, in some individuals, the lower lobe of the left lung.

All other sections of the human body are drained by the thoracic duct

Thoracic duct

In human anatomy, the thoracic duct of the lymphatic system is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. It is also known as the left lymphatic duct, alimentary duct, chyliferous duct, and Van Hoorne's canal....

.

External links

• diagram at medem.com