subclavian lymphatic trunk (anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The subclavian lymphatic trunk is the continuation of the combined efferent vessels from the apical axillary lymph nodes.
The trunk passes medially:
- superior to the clavicle
- anterior to scalenus anterior
- posterior to the subclavian vein
Near the inner margin of the clavicle it may:
- on the right side, join the jugular lymph trunk and bronchomediastinal lymph trunk to form the right thoracic duct
- join the subclavian, internal jugular or brachiocephalic veins directly
- on the left side, join the thoracic duct