Anatomy of Landmark Structures

The cisterna chyli is an elongated sac-like dilation that is typically located anterior to the first or second lumbar vertebra, behind the right crus of the diaphragm and to the right of the abdominal aorta. It may also be situated at a higher vertebral level. Formed by the convergence of the left and right lumbar trunks and the intestinal trunk, the cisterna chyli is the main collecting vessel for lymph from the pelvis, abdomen, and lower limbs. It serves as the starting point of the thoracic duct [1].