Abdominal Cavity

Question 1

the pancreas location and description

Answer 1

Location and Description:
• The pancreas is both an exocrine and endocrine gland.

• The exocrine portion of the gland produces a secretion that contains enzymes capable of hydrolyzing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

• The endocrine portion of the gland, the pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans), produces the
hormones insulin and glucagon, which play a key role in carbohydrate metabolism.

• The pancreas is an elongated structure that lies in the epigastrium and the left upper quadrant.
• It is soft and lobulated and situated on the posterior abdominal wall behind the peritoneum.
• It crosses the transpyloric plane (L1).

Question 2

the pancreas is divided into

Answer 2

• Head
• Neck
• Body
• Tail

Question 3

The head of the pancreas is ___ shaped and lies within the concavity of the ______.
• The uncinate process arises from the ____ part of the head and lies behind ______

Answer 3

The head of the pancreas:
• Is disc shaped and lies within the concavity of the duodenum.

• The uncinate process arises from the lower part of the head and lies behind superior mesenteric

Question 4

The neck is the ____ portion of the pancreas and connects the ____ to the _____

• It lies in front of the beginning of the ____ and the origin of the_____ from the aorta.

Answer 4

The neck:
• Is the constricted portion of the pancreas and connects the head to the body.

• It lies in front of the beginning of the portal vein and the origin of the superior mesenteric artery from the aorta.