Pancreas

Question 1

What is the pancreas?

Answer 1

Elongated, lobular gland, which does not have a capsule and predominately retroperitoneal

Question 2

Where does the pancreas sit?

Answer 2

Lies transverse and oblique across midline (transpyloric level)

Question 3

What are some features of the pancreas?

Answer 3

1. Endocrine and exocrine gland
2. Duct system transports bile and pancreatic juices to the duodenum

Question 4

What are functions of the pancreas?

Answer 4

1. 99% exocrine: production of enzymes to assist with digestion
2. 1% endocrine: production of hormones (insulin and others)

Question 5

In what quadrants does the pancreas lie?

Answer 5

1. Epigastric region, left hypochondrium
2. RUQ, LUQ

Question 6

Where is the pancreatic head?

Answer 6

1. Bulbous portion right of midline.
2. surrounded by the four parts of the duodenum.

Question 7

What lies posterior to the pancreatic head?

Answer 7

IVC

Question 8

What cradles the lateral edge of the pancreas?

Answer 8

Descending duodenum

Question 9

What is the medial edge marked by in the pancreas?

Answer 9

SMV and neck of pancreas

Question 10

Where are some landmarks of the pancreas?

Answer 10

1. Gastroduodenal artery
2. Common bile duct

Question 11

Where is the gastroduodenal artery in relation to the pancreas?

Answer 11

Positioned along anterolateral head

Question 12

Where is the common bile duct in relation to the pancreas?

Answer 12

Positioned along posterior lateral head

Question 13

What is the uncinate process?

Answer 13

Posteromedial extension of the head which is variable in size

Question 14

Where is the uncinate process located?

Answer 14

Posterior to SMV/Anterior to IVC

Question 15

Where is the pancreatic neck located?

Answer 15

Directly anterior to the SMV/Portal confluence, directly posterior to the pylorus of the stomach, and right of SMA

Question 16

What is the pancreatic body?

Answer 16

Most anterior aspect of the pancreas, posterior to the antrum

Question 17

Where does the pancreatic body lie?

Answer 17

Anterior to the aorta, SMA, SV, and LRV, and inferior to the splenic artery

Question 18

What is the pancreatic tail?

Answer 18

Most superior portion of the pancreas, and extends from left side of spine to hilum of spleen

Question 19

Where does the pancreas lie in relation to the spine?

Answer 19

Lateral

Question 20

Where does the pancreas lie in relation to the spleen?

Answer 20

Medial

Question 21

Where does the splenic artery lie among the pancreas?

Answer 21

Along superior surface

Question 22

Where does the splenic vein travel in the pancreas?

Answer 22

It travels along the posterior surface

Question 23

What are the two pancreatic ducts called?

Answer 23

1. Main pancreatic duct
2. Accessory pancreatic duct

Question 24

What is another name for the main pancreatic duct?

Answer 24

Duct of wirsung

Question 25

What is another name for the accessory pancreatic duct?

Answer 25

Duct of Santorini

Question 26

What does the main pancreatic duct do?

Answer 26

Extends the length of the pancreas and joins the CBD in the head at the ampulla of vater and sphincter of oddi

Question 27

Can we see the main pancreatic duct in an ultrasound?

Answer 27

Often seen

Question 28

What does the accessory pancreatic duct do?

Answer 28

Secondary duct in upper anterior portion of pancreatic head. Which enters duodenum ~2cm proximal to ampulla of vater

Question 29

Can the accessory pancreatic duct be seen on a ultrasound scan?

Answer 29

Seldom seen on ultrasound