Tracheal trunk [Jugular trunk]

The right and left tracheal trunks are collecting lymphatic vessels that ensure lymphatic drainage of the head, neck, and cervical organs. They originate from the caudal pole of the ipsilateral medial retropharyngeal lymph node or from its efferent lymphatic vessels. As they run caudally in the neck, each tracheal trunk courses within or adjacent to the medial wall of the carotid sheath.

The left tracheal trunk usually terminates in the thoracic duct, whereas the right tracheal trunk most commonly drains into the right lymphatic duct.