Gland
Head and uncinate process of the pancreas
Pancreatic tissue on both sides of mesenteric vessels
High-yield
A head-region lesion may obstruct the common bile duct. The uncinate–mesenteric vessel relationship is a separate key landmark for describing local extension.
Overview
The pancreatic head occupies the duodenal curve. Its uncinate projection extends medially behind the superior mesenteric vessels, while the pancreatic neck lies in front of them. The distal bile duct runs against or within the head before reaching the duodenum.
Reference facts
- Location
- Within the duodenal C, anterior to the vena cava and right renal vascular region; uncinate tissue extends posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels.
- Hormones
- Endocrine islets release insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide; pancreatic-polypeptide cells are especially represented in the ventral/uncinate region.
- Blood supply
- Anterior and posterior arcades connect superior pancreaticoduodenal branches of the gastroduodenal artery with inferior branches of the superior mesenteric artery.
- Innervation
- Autonomic fibers through celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses, including vagal parasympathetic input.
- Function
- Exocrine acini and ducts supply digestive enzymes and bicarbonate-rich fluid, while endocrine cells release hormones into blood.
Clinical correlation
Pancreaticoduodenectomy removes closely related pancreatic and duodenal tissues for selected disease. Shared arterial arcades influence the operation, but they do not make preservation of the duodenum anatomically impossible; such procedures exist for selected indications.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the head and uncinate process of the pancreas located?
Within the duodenal C, anterior to the vena cava and right renal vascular region; uncinate tissue extends posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels.
What does the head and uncinate process of the pancreas secrete?
Endocrine islets release insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide; pancreatic-polypeptide cells are especially represented in the ventral/uncinate region.
What does the head and uncinate process of the pancreas do?
Exocrine acini and ducts supply digestive enzymes and bicarbonate-rich fluid, while endocrine cells release hormones into blood.
What is the blood supply of the head and uncinate process of the pancreas?
Anterior and posterior arcades connect superior pancreaticoduodenal branches of the gastroduodenal artery with inferior branches of the superior mesenteric artery.