This article needs more reliable medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. (July 2021) |
Bronchomediastinal lymph trunk | |
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Details | |
System | Lymphatic system |
Source | Parasternal lymph nodes |
Drains to | Thoracic duct, right lymphatic duct |
Identifiers | |
Latin | truncus bronchomediastinalis |
TA98 | A12.4.01.005 |
FMA | 9585 |
Anatomical terminology |
The bronchomediastinal lymph trunks are essential components of the human lymphatic system, tasked with draining lymph from the tracheobronchial, internal mammary, and anterior mediastinal lymph nodes.
Located in the mediastinum, the central part of the thoracic cavity, these trunks form from the convergence of efferent vessels that ascend along the trachea. Typically, there are two trunks - one on each side of the body. The right bronchomediastinal trunk may connect the right lymphatic duct, and the left trunk to the thoracic duct,[1] although more frequently, they open independently into the junction of the internal jugular vein and subclavian veins on their respective sides.
Functionally, the bronchomediastinal lymph trunks are pivotal in transporting lymph, which includes lymphocytes and other immune cells, from the thorax to the bloodstream. This process is crucial for immune surveillance and maintaining fluid balance within the body. Clinically, these trunks are significant for their role in the potential spread of diseases, particularly thoracic cancers, making them important landmarks in oncological diagnostics and treatment planning.