Cisterna chyli

Cisterna chyli is a dilated sac at the lower end of the thoracic duct in most mammals into which lymph from the intestinal trunk and two lumbar lymphatic trunks flow. It receives fatty chyle, thus having a milky appearance, and delivers the chyle into the bloodstream via the left subclavian vein. The cisterna chyli is a retro-peritoneal structure.

Etymology

The term "cisterna chyli" originates from the Latin cisterna meaning "reservoir" and the Greek chyli meaning "juice".

Structure

The cisterna chyli is located posterior to the aorta on the anterior aspect of the bodies of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. It is formed by the union of the right and left lumbar trunks and the intestinal trunk, forming a significant pathway in the lymphatic system.

Function

The primary function of the cisterna chyli is to receive lymph from the lower half of the body and from the left side of the body above the diaphragm. This lymph is then transported to the thoracic duct, which carries it to the bloodstream.

Clinical significance

The cisterna chyli can be used as a marker in imaging studies to identify abnormal lymphatic drainage patterns, particularly in cases of lymphedema. It can also be involved in certain medical conditions such as chylothorax and lymphangioma.

See also

• Lymphatic system
• Thoracic duct
• Chylothorax
• Lymphangioma

References

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