Pancreatic duct

Pancreatic Duct

The Pancreatic Duct or Duct of Wirsung is a duct joining the pancreas to the common bile duct to supply pancreatic juice provided from the exocrine pancreas, which aids in digestion.

Structure

The pancreatic duct runs the length of the pancreas and is formed by the union of smaller ducts within the organ. It begins at the tail end of the pancreas, and runs towards the head, where it usually merges with the common bile duct, and enters the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla. The pancreatic juice it carries is a clear, colorless liquid consisting of water, salts, and enzymes, which aid in digestion.

Clinical Significance

The pancreatic duct can be the site of several medical conditions. Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic, and is often associated with blockage of the pancreatic duct. Pancreatic cancer can also occur in the pancreatic duct, and is often diagnosed late due to the deep location of the pancreas. Pancreatic duct stones are another condition that can occur, often as a result of chronic pancreatitis.

See Also

• Pancreas
• Common bile duct
• Pancreatic juice
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic duct stones
• Pancreatitis

References

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External Links

• Pancreatic Duct at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

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  Pancreatic duct anatomy
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  Illustration of the pancreas
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  Formation of an accessory pancreatic duct
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  ERCP showing pancreatic duct
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  Digestive system showing bile duct
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  Pancreatic duct anatomy
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  Pancreatic duct anatomy
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  Pancreatic duct anatomy
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  Pancreatic duct anatomy
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  Ultrasonography of dilated pancreatic duct