Beginner Thoracic Duct Quiz

Q1. What is the thoracic duct?

• The largest lymphatic vessel in the body
• A branch of the abdominal aorta
• A tributary of the portal vein
• A sympathetic nerve

Q2. Where does the thoracic duct commonly begin?

• At the cisterna chyli or converging upper abdominal lymphatics
• At the carotid bifurcation
• Inside the liver
• At the femoral canal

Q3. At approximately which vertebral level is the cisterna chyli commonly found?

• C1 to C2
• S4 to S5
• L1 to L2
• T1 to T2

Q4. Through which diaphragmatic opening does the thoracic duct usually enter the thorax?

• Aortic hiatus
• Esophageal hiatus
• Obturator canal
• Caval opening

Q5. Which lymphatic trunks commonly contribute to the thoracic duct near its abdominal origin?

• Bronchomediastinal trunks only
• Subclavian trunks only
• Lumbar and intestinal trunks
• Jugular trunks only

Q6. Which part of the body is NOT normally drained by the thoracic duct?

• Abdomen
• Left upper limb
• Both lower limbs
• Right upper quadrant

Q7. Where does the thoracic duct usually terminate?

• Right atrium
• Left venous angle
• Portal vein
• Inferior vena cava

Q8. Which lower-body regions send lymph into the thoracic duct?

• Both lower limbs and much of the pelvis and abdomen
• Right upper limb only
• Scalp only
• Right side of the thorax only

Q9. What type of lymph may give the thoracic duct a milky appearance after a fatty meal?

• Synovial fluid
• Chyle
• Bile
• Cerebrospinal fluid

Q10. Which statement best describes the drainage territory of the thoracic duct?

• It drains only the lower limbs
• It drains most of the body except the right upper quadrant
• It drains only the right upper quadrant
• It drains only the abdomen