Does breathing have an influence on lymphatic drainage

will increase, causing a greater change in pressure in the thoracic and abdominal cavities, which is particularly pronounced with increased respiratory rate. Within these cavities are the great veins and larger collecting lymphatic trunks, both of which are capacitance vessels. Variation in intra-thoracic pressure can facilitate variation in venous return, not only from the trunkal area, but from the head and limbs as well as through the jugular/subclavian veins. The thoracic duct drains near the junction of the left jugular/subclavian vein, while the right lymphatic duct drains similarly into the right jugular/subclavian vein. While we are certain about the impact of the phases of respiration on venous return, there is a great deal of uncertainty about the lymphatic system which is similarly structured and located. Associated with this is a reticence to ascribe any benefits to breathing