CorpusHuman Anatomy
Lymphatic & ImmuneLymphatic vessel

Lymphatic trunks

Trunci lymphatici

Also known as: jugular trunk, subclavian trunk, bronchomediastinal trunk, lumbar trunk, intestinal trunk

Nine large lymph vessels formed by the efferent vessels of the most proximal node groups; each drains a major body region into the thoracic duct, the right lymphatic duct or directly into the venous angles.

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Overview

Number9 (4 paired + 1 single intestinal)

Lymph from each major region converges on a named trunk. There are classically nine: paired jugular, subclavian, bronchomediastinal and lumbar trunks and a single intestinal trunk. The lumbar and intestinal trunks (with the descending intercostal trunks) unite at the cisterna chyli to form the thoracic duct. On the left, the jugular, subclavian and bronchomediastinal trunks join the terminal thoracic duct; on the right they unite to form the right lymphatic duct. Variation is the rule rather than the exception: trunks often open separately into the internal jugular, subclavian or brachiocephalic veins near the venous angle.

Location

Root of the neck (jugular, subclavian, bronchomediastinal) and posterior abdominal wall (lumbar and intestinal, converging at ≈ L1–L2).

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Jugular trunk
    Formed by efferent vessels of the inferior deep cervical nodes; drains the head and neck.
  2. Subclavian trunk
    Formed from the apical axillary nodes; drains the upper limb, breast and superficial thoracoabdominal wall above the umbilicus.
  3. Bronchomediastinal trunk
    From the tracheobronchial, parasternal and brachiocephalic nodes; drains the thoracic viscera and deep thoracic wall.
  4. Lumbar trunks
    From the lateral aortic (para-aortic) nodes; drain the lower limbs, pelvis, kidneys, adrenal glands, gonads and posterior abdominal wall.
  5. Intestinal trunk
    From the pre-aortic (coeliac, superior and inferior mesenteric) nodes; drains the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and spleen — carrying chyle.

Function

  • Collect lymph from the final node groups of each body region and deliver it to the terminal ducts or veins.

Clinical significance

Chylous leaks

Injury to the intestinal trunk, cisterna chyli or thoracic duct (retroperitoneal surgery, para-aortic node dissection) causes chylous ascites or chylothorax.

Test yourself

Which lymphatic trunks drain into the cisterna chyli?
  1. Jugular and subclavian trunks
  2. Bronchomediastinal trunks
  3. Lumbar and intestinal trunks
  4. Right and left subclavian trunks

Answer: Lumbar and intestinal trunks

The paired lumbar trunks (lower limbs, pelvis, kidneys, posterior abdominal wall) and the single intestinal trunk (GI tract) converge on the cisterna chyli at ≈ L1–L2, the origin of the thoracic duct.

More lymphatic & immune system questions

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Lymphatic & Immune System sources. For education only; not medical advice.