Diagnostic Ultrasound - Abdomen and Pelvis

Pancreas
PANCREAS IN SITU
Anatomy: Abdomen
Stomach (cut & removed)
Spleen
Gastroduodenal artery
Superior (dorsal)
pancreatic artery
Splenic artery
Great pancreatic artery
Posterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal
artery
Anterior superior
pancreaticoduodenal
artery
Base of transverse
mesocolon
Duodenum
Transverse colon
Duodeno-jejunal junction
Superior mesenteric
artery & vein
Base of small bowel
mesentery
Graphic shows the arterial supply to the body & tail of the pancreas through terminal branches of the splenic artery, which are variable
in number & size. The two largest are usually the dorsal (superior) and great pancreatic arteries, which arise from the proximal & distal
splenic artery, respectively. The arteries to the pancreatic head and duodenum come from the pancreaticoduodenal arcades that
receive flow from the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries. The superior mesenteric vessels pass behind the neck of the pancreas and
in front of the third portion of the duodenum. The root of the transverse mesocolon and small bowel mesentery arise from the surface
of the pancreas and transmit the blood vessels to the small bowel & transverse colon. The splenic vein runs along the dorsal surface of
the pancreas. The splenic vessels and pancreatic tail insert into the splenic hilum.
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