Pancreas Flashcards
What is the pancreas?
Elongated, lobular gland, which does not have a capsule and predominately retroperitoneal
Where does the pancreas sit?
Lies transverse and oblique across midline (transpyloric level)
What are some features of the pancreas?
- Endocrine and exocrine gland
- Duct system transports bile and pancreatic juices to the duodenum
What are functions of the pancreas?
- 99% exocrine: production of enzymes to assist with digestion
- 1% endocrine: production of hormones (insulin and others)
In what quadrants does the pancreas lie?
- Epigastric region, left hypochondrium
- RUQ, LUQ
Where is the pancreatic head?
- Bulbous portion right of midline.
- surrounded by the four parts of the duodenum.
What lies posterior to the pancreatic head?
IVC
What cradles the lateral edge of the pancreas?
Descending duodenum
What is the medial edge marked by in the pancreas?
SMV and neck of pancreas
Where are some landmarks of the pancreas?
- Gastroduodenal artery
- Common bile duct
Where is the gastroduodenal artery in relation to the pancreas?
Positioned along anterolateral head
Where is the common bile duct in relation to the pancreas?
Positioned along posterior lateral head
What is the uncinate process?
Posteromedial extension of the head which is variable in size
Where is the uncinate process located?
Posterior to SMV/Anterior to IVC
Where is the pancreatic neck located?
Directly anterior to the SMV/Portal confluence, directly posterior to the pylorus of the stomach, and right of SMA
What is the pancreatic body?
Most anterior aspect of the pancreas, posterior to the antrum
Where does the pancreatic body lie?
Anterior to the aorta, SMA, SV, and LRV, and inferior to the splenic artery
What is the pancreatic tail?
Most superior portion of the pancreas, and extends from left side of spine to hilum of spleen
Where does the pancreas lie in relation to the spine?
Lateral
Where does the pancreas lie in relation to the spleen?
Medial
Where does the splenic artery lie among the pancreas?
Along superior surface
Where does the splenic vein travel in the pancreas?
It travels along the posterior surface
What are the two pancreatic ducts called?
- Main pancreatic duct
- Accessory pancreatic duct
What is another name for the main pancreatic duct?
Duct of wirsung
What is another name for the accessory pancreatic duct?
Duct of Santorini
What does the main pancreatic duct do?
Extends the length of the pancreas and joins the CBD in the head at the ampulla of vater and sphincter of oddi
Can we see the main pancreatic duct in an ultrasound?
Often seen
What does the accessory pancreatic duct do?
Secondary duct in upper anterior portion of pancreatic head. Which enters duodenum ~2cm proximal to ampulla of vater
Can the accessory pancreatic duct be seen on a ultrasound scan?
Seldom seen on ultrasound
