Main lymphatic duct, 40 cm long, drains into left subclavian vein.

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Multiple Choice

Main lymphatic duct, 40 cm long, drains into left subclavian vein.

The key idea here is the main lymphatic duct that returns most of the body's lymph into the bloodstream. The thoracic duct is the largest and longest lymphatic vessel, about 40 cm in adults. It begins in the abdomen at the cisterna chyli, travels upward through the posterior mediastinum, and usually empties into the left venous angle—the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins. Because of this drainage site, it collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the left upper limb, and most of the body below the diaphragm. The right lymphatic duct handles only the right-side upper body and right arm, draining into the right venous angle, so it wouldn’t meet the description given. Lymph nodes and lymph capillaries aren’t single ducts that drain into a vein; they’re components of the lymphatic network.

The key idea here is the main lymphatic duct that returns most of the body's lymph into the bloodstream. The thoracic duct is the largest and longest lymphatic vessel, about 40 cm in adults. It begins in the abdomen at the cisterna chyli, travels upward through the posterior mediastinum, and usually empties into the left venous angle—the junction of the left subclavian and left internal jugular veins. Because of this drainage site, it collects lymph from the left side of the head and neck, the left upper limb, and most of the body below the diaphragm.

The right lymphatic duct handles only the right-side upper body and right arm, draining into the right venous angle, so it wouldn’t meet the description given. Lymph nodes and lymph capillaries aren’t single ducts that drain into a vein; they’re components of the lymphatic network.

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