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Multiple Choice
Most of the lymph returns to the venous circulation by way of the:
A
hepatic portal vein
B
thoracic duct
C
superior vena cava
D
right lymphatic duct
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of the lymphatic system in returning lymph to the venous circulation. Lymph is a fluid that is collected from tissues and transported through lymphatic vessels to eventually rejoin the bloodstream.
Step 2: Recall the major structures involved in lymphatic drainage. The thoracic duct and the right lymphatic duct are the two primary lymphatic vessels responsible for returning lymph to the venous circulation.
Step 3: Learn the specific areas drained by each duct. The thoracic duct drains lymph from the majority of the body, including the lower limbs, abdomen, left thorax, left upper limb, and left side of the head and neck. The right lymphatic duct drains lymph from the right upper limb, right thorax, and right side of the head and neck.
Step 4: Identify the venous structures where these ducts empty. The thoracic duct empties into the venous circulation at the junction of the left subclavian vein and left internal jugular vein, while the right lymphatic duct empties at the junction of the right subclavian vein and right internal jugular vein.
Step 5: Based on the question, recognize that the thoracic duct is responsible for returning most of the lymph to the venous circulation, as it drains the majority of the body.