Vessel
Cisterna chyli
Variable abdominal confluence of major lymph trunks
High-yield
Lumbar and intestinal lymphatic trunks meet at a variable junction below the diaphragm. A distinct cisterna is not present or visible in every person.
Overview
Lymph returning from the abdomen and lower body converges near the start of the thoracic duct. In some people this junction expands into a cisterna chyli; in others, several smaller channels make the connection. The usual position is retrocrural, near the upper lumbar vertebrae and right side of the aorta.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Formed where major abdominal lymphatic trunks converge at the lower end of the thoracic duct.
- Course
- Usually near L1–L2, posterior to the right diaphragmatic crus and to the right of the aorta; its height and shape vary.
- Branches
- Receives lumbar lymphatic trunks and intestinal drainage, sometimes through intervening communicating channels.
- Drains to
- Continues into the thoracic duct, which enters the chest through the aortic hiatus.
Clinical correlation
On imaging, a fluid-filled retrocrural cisterna can resemble another cystic structure. Its expected continuity with the thoracic duct helps interpretation; reported detection rates depend on the imaging method and anatomical definition.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the cisterna chyli originate?
The cisterna chyli arises from the formed where major abdominal lymphatic trunks converge at the lower end of the thoracic duct.
Where does the cisterna chyli drain to?
The cisterna chyli drains to the continues into the thoracic duct, which enters the chest through the aortic hiatus.
What are the tributaries of the cisterna chyli?
Receives lumbar lymphatic trunks and intestinal drainage, sometimes through intervening communicating channels.
What is the course of the cisterna chyli?
Usually near L1–L2, posterior to the right diaphragmatic crus and to the right of the aorta; its height and shape vary.