Organ
Accessory pancreatic duct
A variable dorsal duct outlet at the minor papilla
High-yield
In pancreas divisum, the dominant dorsal duct drains most pancreatic tissue through the minor papilla because dorsal and ventral ducts have not united normally.
Overview
A patent accessory duct gives part of the pancreatic head another route into the duodenum. It is derived from the proximal dorsal duct and commonly communicates with the main pancreatic duct. Its duodenal opening, the minor papilla, is superior to the major papilla.
Reference facts
- Location
- Within the pancreatic head, extending toward the minor papilla in the descending duodenum.
- Parts
- Residual proximal dorsal pancreatic duct; its communication with the main duct and patency of the minor outlet vary.
- Blood supply
- Shares the pancreatic head's superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arterial network.
- Innervation
- Autonomic fibers reach the pancreatic region through celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses, including vagal parasympathetic input.
- Relations
- Usually approaches the duodenum superior to the terminal main pancreatic duct.
- Function
- When open, conveys pancreatic secretion to the minor papilla; in divisum the dorsal route usually carries the dominant drainage.
Clinical correlation
Most people with pancreas divisum are asymptomatic. The variant may be found during investigation of recurrent pancreatitis, but its presence alone does not establish the cause; a recent sham-controlled trial also did not demonstrate prevention of recurrent attacks by minor papillotomy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the accessory pancreatic duct located?
Within the pancreatic head, extending toward the minor papilla in the descending duodenum.
What does the accessory pancreatic duct do?
When open, conveys pancreatic secretion to the minor papilla; in divisum the dorsal route usually carries the dominant drainage.
What are the parts of the accessory pancreatic duct?
Residual proximal dorsal pancreatic duct; its communication with the main duct and patency of the minor outlet vary.
What is the blood supply of the accessory pancreatic duct?
The accessory pancreatic duct is supplied by the shares the pancreatic head's superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arterial network.