Thoracic duct

The thoracic duct is the main lymphatic vessel in the body that helps transport a fluid called lymph, which contains immune cells, fats, and waste products. It runs along the spine in the chest and drains lymph from most of the body, except the right arm and the right side of the head and chest. The duct collects lymph from tissues and eventually empties it into the bloodstream at a large vein near the neck. This process is essential for immune function and maintaining fluid balance in the body.