Anatomy of the Thoracic Duct

The thoracic duct is a major anatomic structure of the upper part of the abdomen, chest, and the lower part of the neck. This article reviews the embryology, anatomy, and multiple variations of the thoracic duct. Proper knowledge of this anatomy should ease understanding the pathophysiology of diseases involving the lymph channels and also prevent injury to the duct during major procedures in which the duct or its tributaries can be involved.