Anatomy of the pancreas and spleen

Abstract

The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ located at the level of the transpyloric plane. Descriptively it can be divided into the head, neck, body, and tail. It has several important anatomical relations, including the formation of the portal vein posteriorly. The main pancreatic duct drains secretions by combining with the common bile duct at the ampulla of Vater before opening into the duodenum via the major duodenal papilla. The pancreatic arterial supply is via the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal and splenic arteries. Acute pancreatitis is most commonly caused by gallstones and ethanol and can range in severity. Management focuses on symptom control, although interventions may be required for subsequent complications. Ductal adenocarcinoma accounts for over 85% of pancreatic neoplasms. The only curative treatment is surgical resection. The spleen lies within the left upper quadrant of the abdomen and is the largest lymphoid organ. Anatomically it can be divided into a superior and inferior pole, visceral and diaphragmatic surface, and superior, inferior, and intermediate borders. At the hilum, peritoneal reflections create two ligaments; the gastrosplenic and splenorenal. The blood supply is via the splenic artery and vein. Splenectomies can be considered in a variety of pathologies, including trauma, haematological conditions, and neoplasia.