The Cisterna Chyli

Question

The cisterna chyli
A) is part of the right lymphatic duct
B) is part of the thoracic duct
C) is a special name given to lymph capillaries in the walls of the small intestine
D) are the lymph vessels inside the spleen

Accepted Answer

The cisterna chyli is a dilated sac-like structure that serves as a storage reservoir for lymph. It is located at the base of the thoracic duct, which is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body. Therefore, it is part of the thoracic duct and not the right lymphatic duct. The cisterna chyli receives lymph from the lower half of the body via the lumbar and intestinal lymph trunks.