Lymphatic Trunk

Lymphatic trunks are one of the most important structures of the lymphatic system and play a key role in its functioning. In this article we will look at the main characteristics and functions of the lymphatic trunk.

**1. Definition of the lymphatic trunk** The lymphatic trunk is the central canal in the lymphatic system that connects the lymphatic vessels to other organs and tissues. It is one of the main elements of the lymphatic system, responsible for transporting lymph from tissues to the chest and abdominal cavities, where it enters the lymph nodes. **2. Anatomy of the lymphatic trunk.** The lymphatic trunk starts from the chest cavity and passes through the chest wall to the abdominal cavity, continuing its course to the right and left hypochondrium. Its length is about 45-55 cm. It is located in the anterolateral region. The structure of the trunk wall plays an important topographical and anatomical role, since it consists of several shells - on the outside there is fibrous fatty tissue, which is fused with the tendon sheath, the muscle layer and the covering muscles of the diaphragm and the surface layer of the muscles of the abdominal wall. Under the epithelium there is a powerful woven perivascular connective tissue rich in lymphocytes, macrophages and migrant cells (leukocytes, platelets, monocytes). The middle membrane contains a large number of small folds of the endothelium, which facilitates the free flow of lymph through the capillaries. Next is a loose connective membrane made of lymphocytic aggregates. Between the membranes there are numerous fibrously intertwined elastic plates containing a network of lymphatic capillaries. The walls of the lymphatic trunks are polysyllabic. They consist of: the wall itself - sac-shaped lymph cells; lymphatic trabeculae, which are a network of capillary loops in the surrounding connective tissue; slit-like lymphatic spaces through which the lymph circulating in them goes into the surrounding tissue spaces; own shell - capsule or membrane. Lymphatic tissue near the membranes is represented by diffuse accumulations of lymphocytes with process and atypical forms between them. Another important element here is loose fibrous connective tissue. When the nutrition of the lymphatic vessels is disturbed, sclerosis develops, the formation of multiple tumors in the area of ​​affected tissues (lymphadenopathy) or dilation of the lymphatic vessels and an increase in the volume of the glandular formations themselves (spleno-, mediastinal lymphadenectasia.) This explains the importance of lymphatic anastomoses as a route for the outflow of interstitial lymph, as reserve outflow tract. The functional role of lymph nodes is that they form key structures for autonomic transformations of lymph. Antigenic factors formed in the lymph nodes stimulate the development of an intravascular anastomosis reaction aimed strengthening immune processes and stabilizing overall health