The main duct of the lymphatic system, ascending along the spinal cord and discharging into the venous system.
The largest lymph channel in the body, which begins in the abdomen at the junction of the intestinal, lumbar, and descending intercostal trunks, and ends at the junction of the left subclavian and internal jugular veins. image
major lymphatic vessel, which begins near the lower part of the spine and collects lymph from the lower limbs, pelvis, abdomen, and lower chest. Lymph flowing through the duct eventually empties into a large vein in the upper chest and returns to the bloodstream
the major duct of the lymphatic system
The thoracic duct is the channel for the collection of lymph from the portion of the body below the diaphragm and from the left side of the body above the diaphragm. It is a long duct, approximately 16 inches (40 centimeters) in the average adult. It extends from the lower spine (2nd lumbar vertebrae) to the left subclavian vein where it drains. The thoracic duct and the lymphatic duct, together, empty between 4 to 10 milliliters of lymph into the blood every minute http://www.mythos.com/webmd/Content.aspx?P=LYMPHA&E=10
The main channel of the lymphatic system that returns lymph fluid (circulating tissue fluid) to the blood circulation. The thoracic duct joins the blood circulatory system just above the heart.
Major vessel into which lymphatic veins drain lymph for return to the venous system and recirculation.
In human anatomy, the thoracic duct is an important part of the lymphatic system—it is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body.