Arch of thoracic duct
Arcus ductus thoracici
Definition
The arch of thoracic duct is located laterally at the level of the transverse process of the C7 vertebra. when the thoracic duct arches laterally and anteriorly over the left subclavian artery and the left internal jugular vein before terminating at the junction of the left subclavian vein and the left internal jugular vein.
The arch of thoracic duct rises 3 or 4 cm above the clavicle and passes posterior to the left common carotid artery, vagus nerve, and internal jugular vein.
References
1.Anatomical Study of the Thoracic Duct and Its Clinical Implications in Thoracic and Pediatric Surgery, a 70 Cases Cadaveric Study.Rabattu PY, Sole Cruz E, El Housseini N, et al.Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA. 2021;43(9):1481-1489. doi:10.1007/s00276-021-02764-z.
2.A Detailed Pathway and Termination of Thoracic Duct in a Japanese Female Cadaver With Situs Inversus Totalis.Narita H, Watanabe S, Umemura K, Shimoda H.Anatomical Science International. 2020;95(3):425-428. doi:10.1007/s12565-020-00532-4.
3.The Anatomy of the Thoracic Duct at the Level of the Diaphragm: A Cadaver Study.Defize IL, Schurink B, Weijs TJ, et al.Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft. 2018;217:47-53. doi:10.1016/j.aanat.2018.02.003.
