title: Anatomy of the lymphatics.
abstract: The lymphatic system is perhaps the most complicated system of Homo sapiens. An introduction to the anatomy, embryology, and anomalies of the lymphatics is presented. The overall anatomy and drainage of the lymphatic vessels in outlined. The topographic anatomy, relations, and variations of the principle vessels of the lymphatic system (the right lymphatic duct, the thoracic duct, and the cisterna chyli) are presented in detail.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Surgical Anatomy & Technique, Emory University School of Medicine, 1462 Clifton Road NE, Suite 303, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. cfroman@emory.edu
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Skandalakis
authors.forename: Lee J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Skandalakis
authors.forename: Panagiotis N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Skandalakis
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013897:Thoracic Duct / Q000033:anatomy & histology