title: Anatomic landmarks for the cervical portion of the thoracic duct.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Avoidance of injury to the thoracic duct during neurosurgical procedures involving the cervical region depends on a working knowledge of its location. This study evaluates superficial anatomic landmarks for the cervical portion of the thoracic duct that may be encountered in neurosurgery of the neck.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen dissections of human cadavers were performed to study the relationship between the proximal thoracic duct and superficial landmarks (e.g., the cricoid cartilage and sternal notch of the manubrium).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The cervical portion of the thoracic duct was found to be approximated by a roughly 4.4-cm(2) region in the left supraclavicular area beginning approximately 2.0 cm lateral to the midline and 3.5 cm superior to the sternal notch, extending superiorly to a point roughly 3.5 cm from the midline and 2.5 cm inferior to the cricoid cartilage, and terminating within the venous system at a point approximately 4.5 cm lateral to the midline and 3.0 cm superior to the sternal notch.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Through an increased appreciation for its location, injury to the thoracic duct may be minimized.
authors: Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA.
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Ammar
authors: R Shane
authors: RS
authors: Tubbs
authors: Matthew D
authors: MD
authors: Smyth
authors: John C
authors: JC
authors: Wellons
authors: Jeffrey P
authors: JP
authors: Blount
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Salter
authors: W Jerry
authors: WJ
authors: Oakes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004210:Dissection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008371:Manubrium / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000033:anatomy & histology*