The word "lymphoduct" refers to the duct that transports lymph, a clear fluid containing white blood cells, through the body. The spelling of this word is based on the phonetic sounds of each syllable. The first syllable "lympho" is pronounced as /lɪmfoʊ/, with the stress on the second syllable. The second syllable "duct" is pronounced as /dʌkt/ with the stress on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word and helps people pronounce it correctly.
A lymphoduct, also known as a lymphatic duct, is a major vessel of the lymphatic system that carries lymph, a clear fluid that contains white blood cells and various waste products, from different areas of the body back into the bloodstream. It functions as a transportation network for the immune system and helps maintain the body's fluid balance.
There are two primary lymphoducts in the human body, the right lymphatic duct and the thoracic duct. The right lymphatic duct is relatively short, measuring around 1-2 cm in length, and drains lymph from the upper right quadrant of the body, including the right side of the head, neck, and upper extremities. On the other hand, the thoracic duct is the largest and longest lymphoduct, measuring approximately 38-45 cm in length. It collects lymph from the rest of the body, including the lower extremities, abdomen, left side of the head and neck, and the left upper extremities.
Both lymphoducts drain the lymph into the venous system, specifically into the subclavian veins near the collarbone, where the lymph mixes with blood. This merging of fluids allows the lymphocytes, which are responsible for fighting infections and diseases, to be circulated throughout the body and reach the areas where they are needed.
In summary, a lymphoduct is a major vessel of the lymphatic system that carries lymph from different parts of the body back into the bloodstream, aiding in immune function and maintaining fluid balance.
A lymphatic vessel, lymphangion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "lymphoduct" is a combination of two terms: "lympho" and "duct", both of which have distinct etymologies.
1. Lympho: This term is derived from the Greek word "lympha", meaning "clear water" or "pure water". In Greek mythology, "lympha" referred to the goddess of fresh water or the spirits of the marshes. Over time, the term was adopted in medical contexts to refer to a colorless fluid found in the lymphatic system.
2. Duct: The term "duct" originated from the Latin word "ductus", which means "leading" or "conduit". It refers to a conduit or passageway within the body that transports fluids, such as blood or lymph.