ABSTRACT
The thoracic duct collects lymph from the lower half of the body and conveys it to the blood stream. Lipids absorbed in the intestine are carried to the blood through this duct. Cannulation or the puncture of the thoracic duct is useful in studies about gastrointestinal digestion and intestinal absorption of lipid-soluble substances. Even though the permanent cannulation of the thoracic duct in animals has been executed, it is not easy to perform in the rat. Instead, the puncture of thoracic duct is preferable.
