Thoracic Duct: The Lymphatic System's Return to Circulation

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels and tissues that helps remove waste and toxins from the body. It also plays an important role in the immune system. Lymph is the fluid that flows through the lymphatic system. It is made up of water, proteins, fats, and other substances.

Lymph eventually rejoins the general circulation through the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct is a large vessel that runs from the abdomen to the neck. It empties into the left subclavian vein, which is a vein that carries blood from the arm to the heart.

Once lymph has rejoined the general circulation, it is filtered by the kidneys and liver. The kidneys remove waste products from the blood, and the liver removes toxins.