What are the main functions of the pancreas?

The pancreas has two main functions: exocrine and endocrine. The exocrine part secretes digestive enzymes, while the endocrine part (islets of Langerhans) secretes hormones like insulin to regulate glucose metabolism.

Where is the pancreas located in the body?

The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ that extends obliquely across the posterior abdominal wall from the duodenum to the spleen, lying across vertebrae T12–L3. Its tail is intraperitoneal, located in the lienorenal ligament.

What are the parts of the pancreas and their key relations?

The pancreas has four parts: Head (lies in the duodenal concavity, related to the transverse colon anteriorly and the IVC and bile duct posteriorly), Neck (overlies the portal vein and is anterior to the pylorus), Body (related anteriorly to the stomach and posteriorly to the aorta, left kidney, and splenic vein), and Tail (located in the lienorenal ligament and contains the highest concentration of islets of Langerhans).

What are the pancreatic ducts and their roles?

The pancreas has two main ducts: Main duct (Wirsung) runs the length of the gland and joins the bile duct to open at the major duodenal papilla, and Accessory duct (Santorini) drains part of the head and opens at the minor duodenal papilla, communicating with the main duct in about 40% of cases.

How is the pancreas supplied with blood and nerves?

The pancreas receives arterial supply primarily from the splenic artery, with contributions from the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Venous drainage goes into the portal, superior mesenteric, and splenic veins. Nerve supply includes sympathetic (vasomotor) and parasympathetic (secretomotor) fibers via the coeliac and superior mesenteric plexuses.

What are some common clinical conditions involving the pancreas?

Common conditions include: Pancreatic head carcinoma (can compress the bile duct, leading to obstructive jaundice), Acute pancreatitis (causes severe epigastric pain radiating to the back due to enzyme leakage and autodigestion), and Annular pancreas (a congenital anomaly where pancreatic tissue encircles the duodenum, potentially causing obstruction).

What developmental anomalies can affect the pancreas?

Key developmental anomalies are: Annular pancreas (a ring of pancreatic tissue that encircles the duodenum) and Accessory pancreatic tissue (found in locations like the stomach, duodenum, or omentum). These arise from the fusion of dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds during development.

Pancreas – Parts, Ducts & Key Relations

❓ Frequently Asked Questions