{"id":16374,"date":"2016-08-05T13:45:36","date_gmt":"2016-08-05T10:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/?page_id=16374"},"modified":"2026-03-31T17:16:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T14:16:39","slug":"pancreas-anatomy-and-embryology","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/pancreas\/pancreas-anatomy-and-embryology\/","title":{"rendered":"Pancreas Anatomy and Embryology"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-16374\" class=\"panel-layout\"><div id=\"pg-16374-0\" class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\"><div id=\"pgc-16374-0-0\" class=\"panel-grid-cell\"><div id=\"panel-16374-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_black-studio-tinymce widget_black_studio_tinymce panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\"><div class=\"textwidget\"><p>The pancreas is a retroperitoneal gland that secretes both hormones and digestive enzymes (endocrine - exocrine). It is 75-100 g in weight and 15-20 cm long.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15794\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-anatomy.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15794 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-anatomy.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas anatomy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-anatomy.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-anatomy-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-anatomy-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas anatomy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordionname39\"><div class=\"panel panel-default panel-even\"><div class=\"panel-heading\"><a class=\"accordion-toggle \" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-parent=\"#accordionname39\" href=\"#collapse390\"><h5><i class=\"icon-minus primary-color\"><\/i><i class=\"icon-plus\"><\/i>CONTENTS<\/h5><\/a><\/div><div id=\"collapse390\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\"><div class=\"panel-body postclass\">\n<div class=\"kt-simple-box\" style=\"background-color:rgba(236, 246, 255, 1); min-height:1px; padding-top:15px; padding-bottom:15px; padding-left:15px; padding-right:15px; \"><div class=\"kt-simple-box-inner\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#pancreas-anatomy\">Pancreas Anatomy<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#parts-of-the-pancreas\">Parts of the Pancreas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#pancreatic-duct-anatomy-and-embryology\">Pancreatic Duct Anatomy (And Embryology)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anatomic-variations-of-pancreatic-ducts-and-pancreas-divisum-wirsung-and-santorini\">Anatomic Variations of Pancreatic Ducts and Pancreas Divisum (Wirsung &amp; Santorini)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#anatomic-variations-of-ampulla-of-vater-relations-of-duct-of-wirsung-and-common-bile-duct\">Anatomic Variations of Ampulla of Vater; Relations of Duct of Wirsung and Common Bile Duct<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#ampulla-of-vater-sphincter-of-oddi-papilla-of-vater-papilla-duodeni-minor\">Ampulla of Vater, Sphincter of Oddi, Papilla of Vater, Papilla Duodeni Minor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#arterial-supply-of-the-pancreas\">Arterial Supply of the Pancreas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#venous-drainage-of-the-pancreas\">Venous Drainage of the Pancreas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#lymphatic-drainage-of-the-pancreas\">Lymphatic Drainage of the Pancreas<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#innervation-of-the-pancreas\">Innervation of the Pancreas<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"pancreas-anatomy\">1. Pancreas Anatomy<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ (75-100 g, 15-20 cm).<\/li>\n<li>The pancreas is a gland that secretes both hormones and digestive enzymes (endocrine and exocrine).<\/li>\n<li>The primary hormone secreted by the pancreas is insulin, which reduces blood sugar (glucose).<\/li>\n<li>Since the pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ, pancreatic pain radiates to the waist.<\/li>\n<li>The pancreas is behind the stomach<\/li>\n<li>It lies between the duodenum and the spleen (right and left).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"parts-of-the-pancreas\">Parts of the Pancreas<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15792\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parts-of-pancreas.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15792 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parts-of-pancreas.jpeg\" alt=\"Parts of pancreas\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parts-of-pancreas.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parts-of-pancreas-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/parts-of-pancreas-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Parts of pancreas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>The head of the pancreas<\/strong> is the part attached to the duodenum. The head is at the L2 level and close to the midline, in front of the inferior vena cava.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The uncinate process<\/strong> is like a protuberance running down from the head. The uncinate process develops from the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">ventral<\/a> pancreatic bud.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The neck of the pancreas<\/strong> is <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> to the superior mesenteric artery and vein.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The body of the pancreas<\/strong>: The splenic artery and vein pass through its posterior upper part. Because of this neighborhood, pancreatitis sometimes causes splenic vein thrombosis. Most of the pseudocysts develop in the body of the pancreas. The stomach and the transverse colon mesentery form the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> wall of the pseudocyst.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The tail of the pancreas<\/strong> is close to the hilum of the spleen and can be injured during a splenectomy.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"pancreatic-duct-anatomy-and-embryology\">Pancreatic Duct Anatomy (And Embryology)<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15790\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15790 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas embryology: dorsal and ventral pancreas\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas embryology: dorsal and ventral pancreas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15788\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-rotation-of-the-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15788 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-rotation-of-the-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas embryology: rotation of the dorsal and ventral pancreas\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-rotation-of-the-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-rotation-of-the-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-rotation-of-the-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas embryology: rotation of the dorsal and ventral pancreas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15786\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-fusion-of-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15786 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-fusion-of-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas embryology: fusion of dorsal and ventral pancreas\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-fusion-of-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-fusion-of-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-embryology-fusion-of-dorsal-and-ventral-pancreas-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas embryology: fusion of dorsal and ventral pancreas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<p>Understanding the anatomy and variations of the pancreatic ducts requires knowledge of pancreatic development.<\/p>\n<p>The foregut used to be just a straight tube. The pancreas develops from <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">ventral<\/a> and dorsal pancreatic buds that are located anteriorly and posteriorly to the foregut, respectively. The foregut, from which the pancreas develops, will then elongate into a &quot;C&quot; shape and turn from the front to the right (duodenum). In the following period, the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> bud (<a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">ventral<\/a> pancreas) turns 270 degrees to the right of the duodenum, and the posterior bud (dorsal pancreas) turns 90 degrees to the right and unites.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"anatomic-variations-of-pancreatic-ducts-and-pancreas-divisum-wirsung-and-santorini\">Anatomic Variations of Pancreatic Ducts and Pancreas Divisum (Wirsung &amp; Santorini)<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15784\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreatic-duct-variations-and-pancreas-divisum.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15784 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreatic-duct-variations-and-pancreas-divisum.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreatic duct variations and pancreas divisum\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreatic-duct-variations-and-pancreas-divisum.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreatic-duct-variations-and-pancreas-divisum-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreatic-duct-variations-and-pancreas-divisum-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreatic duct variations and pancreas divisum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>The duct of the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">ventral<\/a> pancreas joins with the duct of the dorsal pancreas to form the duct of Wirsung (major pancreatic duct) in the neck. The dorsal pancreatic duct remains as the Santorini duct (Minor, accessory pancreatic duct) (60%).<\/li>\n<li>Sometimes the duct of Santorini ends blindly and does not open into the duodenum (30%).<\/li>\n<li>Pancreas divisum: The duct of Wirsung and Santorini cannot unite, they open separately into the duodenum (In this case, most of the pancreas is drained from the minor duct (Duct of Santorini) (10%).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 id=\"anatomic-variations-of-ampulla-of-vater-relations-of-duct-of-wirsung-and-common-bile-duct\">Anatomic Variations of Ampulla of Vater; Relations of Duct of Wirsung and Common Bile Duct<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15782\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ampulla-of-vater-variations.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15782 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ampulla-of-vater-variations.jpeg\" alt=\"Ampulla of Vater variations\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ampulla-of-vater-variations.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ampulla-of-vater-variations-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/ampulla-of-vater-variations-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Ampulla of Vater variations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<p>Typically, the main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) joins the common bile duct before opening into the duodenum (Y-shaped opening). In this case, there is a common canal and a true ampulla (Ampulla of Vater).<\/p>\n<p>There are two more variations. In one, the two channels run separately but open to the duodenum from the same orifice (V-shaped opening).<\/p>\n<p>In the third variation, the canals open separately into the duodenum (a U-shaped opening).<\/p>\n<p>Y, V, and U-shaped opening rates are stated as &#8531;, &#8531;, &#8531; in Schwartz, 85%, 5%, and 9% in Scandalaks, and 70%, 20%, and 10% in some other sources.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"ampulla-of-vater-sphincter-of-oddi-papilla-of-vater-papilla-duodeni-minor\">Ampulla of Vater, Sphincter of Oddi, Papilla of Vater, Papilla Duodeni Minor<\/h3>\n<h4>Ampulla of Vater (Hepatopancreatic Ampulla)<\/h4>\n<p>After the main pancreatic duct (Wirsung) and the common bile duct merge, they expand and open into the duodenum. This enlarged part is called the ampulla of Vater.<\/p>\n<h4>Sphincter of Oddi<\/h4>\n<p>The sphincter of Oddi (a smooth muscle) wrapped around the ampulla of Vater. It generates a resting pressure of 15-20 cm of water in the bile ducts and twice that in the pancreatic duct (in starvation). When we eat, this sphincter relaxes, the gallbladder contracts, and the bile is emptied into the food.<\/p>\n<h4>Papilla of Vater (Major Duodenal Papilla)<\/h4>\n<p>It is the elevation (projection) in the duodenum at the opening of the ampulla of Vater. It contains the sphincter of Oddi and the ampulla of Vater. The ampulla of Vater is located on the posteromedial aspect of the second portion of the duodenum. During the ERCP, the papilla of Vater is located, inserted, and cut (endoscopic sphincterotomy).<br>\nMinor Duodenal Papilla<\/p>\n<p>The Santorini duct connects to the minor duodenal papilla, which is 1-2 cm proximal to the major duodenal papilla.<br>\n<\/p><div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"arterial-supply-of-the-pancreas\">2. Arterial Supply of the Pancreas<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15780\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-arterial-supply.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15780 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-arterial-supply.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas arterial supply\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-arterial-supply.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-arterial-supply-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-arterial-supply-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas arterial supply<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<p>The pancreatic arteries come from both the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery.<\/p>\n<p>First, the right gastric artery and then the gastroduodenal artery arise from the hepatic artery.<\/p>\n<p>The gastroduodenal artery gives rise to the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, which then divides into <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> and posterior branches.<\/p>\n<p>The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery emerges as the first branch from the superior mesenteric artery and divides into two (<a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> and posterior) branches.<\/p>\n<p>These branches anastomose with each other and even act as a continuation of each other. In other words, an anastomosis forms here between the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. In cases of celiac artery occlusion (stenosis or thrombosis), the superior mesenteric artery can retrogradely supply blood.<\/p>\n<p>Both the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries have <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> and posterior branches that run close to the duodenal C near the pancreas head. They supply numerous branches to both the pancreatic head and the duodenum. As a result, it is impossible to separate the entire head of the pancreas from the duodenum without disrupting the duodenum's blood supply. The pancreas can be removed, leaving only the vessels and a small amount of pancreatic tissue (95% pancreatectomy).<\/p>\n<p>The superior mesenteric artery (20%) can give rise to the right hepatic artery, called the <strong>replaced right hepatic artery<\/strong>. In some cases, the superior mesenteric artery also gives rise to the common hepatic artery. If the replaced right hepatic artery is not identified, it may be ligated inadvertently during the Whipple procedure.<\/p>\n<p>The body and tail of the pancreas are supplied by splenic artery branches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The inferior pancreatic artery<\/strong> arises from the superior mesenteric artery and runs parallel to the splenic artery along the posteroinferior border of the pancreas. The three perpendicular arteries bridge the splenic artery and the inferior pancreatic artery. These are the dorsal pancreatic artery, the great pancreatic artery, and the caudal pancreatic arteries (medial to lateral).<\/p>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"venous-drainage-of-the-pancreas\">3. Venous Drainage of the Pancreas<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_15778\" class=\"thumbnail wp-caption alignnone\" style=\"width: 1024px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-venous-drainage.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-15778 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-venous-drainage.jpeg\" alt=\"Pancreas venous drainage\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-venous-drainage.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-venous-drainage-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pancreas-venous-drainage-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"caption wp-caption-text\">Pancreas venous drainage<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<p>Comparable to arteries, the <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;h1&amp;gt;Anterior&amp;lt;\/h1&amp;gt;\nAnterior refers to &amp;quot;front&rdquo;, &amp;quot;in front of&rdquo;, or &amp;quot;close to the front&rdquo;. In human anatomy, it refers to the front surface of the body or...&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/anterior\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">anterior<\/a> and posterior pancreaticoduodenal veins are located in front of and behind the pancreatic head, respectively. They drain into the portal vein and the superior mesenteric vein. Venous blood from the body and tail of the pancreas empties into the splenic vein.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"lymphatic-drainage-of-the-pancreas\">4. Lymphatic Drainage of the Pancreas<\/h2>\n<p>There is a diffuse and widespread lymphatic network. As a result, lymph nodes in pancreatic cancer are frequently invaded, and the local recurrence rate after resection is high. Lymphatic spread can occur along the lymph nodes of the superior mesenteric vein, hepatic artery, porta hepatis, transverse colon, and splenic vein.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"innervation-of-the-pancreas\">5.Innervation of the Pancreas<\/h2>\n<p>The sympathetic nervous system increases endocrine (islet cells) and exocrine (acinar cells) secretions, while the parasympathetic nervous system decreases them.<\/p>\n<p>Afferent sensory nerves are also abundant in the pancreas (part of the somatic system). Therefore, severe pain occurs in advanced pancreatic cancer and in <a class=\"glossaryLink\" aria-describedby=\"tt\" data-cmtooltip=\"&lt;div class=glossaryItemBody&gt;&amp;lt;ol&amp;gt;\n \t&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;Sudden onset and rapidly intensifying (acute illness).&amp;lt;\/li&amp;gt;\n \t&amp;lt;li&amp;gt;Acute is the opposite of chronic. Sometimes, the words acute or chronic are added to...&amp;lt;\/li&amp;gt;&amp;lt;\/ol&amp;gt;&lt;\/div&gt;&lt;div class=glossaryTooltipMoreLinkWrapper&gt;&lt;a class=glossaryTooltipMoreLink href=https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/acute\/ &gt;Read more&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/div&gt;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/medical-dictionary\/acute\/\" data-mobile-support=\"0\" data-gt-translate-attributes='[{\"attribute\":\"data-cmtooltip\", \"format\":\"html\"}]' tabindex=\"0\" role=\"link\">acute<\/a> and chronic pancreatitis.<br>\n<\/p><div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"row\"> <div class=\"col-md-6  \">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">&lt; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/pancreas\/\" title=\"Pancreas\">Pancreas<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div><div class=\"col-md-6  \">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/colon-rectum-anus\/\" title=\"Colon, Rectum, and Anus\">Colon, Rectum, and Anus<\/a> &gt;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"hrule clearfix\" style=\" height:1px\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-16374-0-1\" class=\"panel-grid-cell\"><div id=\"panel-16374-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_nav_menu panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\"><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-16374-0-1-0\"><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Pancreas<\/h3><ul id=\"menu-pancreas\" class=\"menu\"><li class=\" menu-item-16380 menu-item menu-pancreas-overview\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/pancreas\/\"><span>Pancreas &ndash; Overview<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\" menu-item-16381 menu-item menu-pancreas-anatomy-and-embryology\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/pancreas\/pancreas-anatomy-and-embryology\/\"><span>Pancreas Anatomy and Embryology<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The pancreas is a retroperitoneal gland that secretes both hormones and digestive enzymes (endocrine &#8211; exocrine). It is 75-100 g in weight and 15-20 cm long. 1. Pancreas Anatomy The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ (75-100 g, 15-20 cm). The &hellip; <a class=\"kt-excerpt-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/general-surgery-articles\/pancreas\/pancreas-anatomy-and-embryology\/\" aria-label=\"Pancreas Anatomy and Embryology\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":16370,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16374","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16374","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16374"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19043,"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16374\/revisions\/19043"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.turkcerrahi.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}