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    From Digestive System

    Falciform Ligament
    Connects liver to anterior abdominal wall.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Lower Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
    Duodenum
    First portion of the small intestine.
    Cardia
    Upper opening of the stomach.
    Epiploic Appendages
    Fat-filled pouches attached to colon.
    Cecum
    First part of large intestine.
    Duodenal Bulb
    Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
    Fundus
    Upper curved portion of the stomach.
    Common Hepatic Duct
    Carries bile from liver to bile duct.
    Mesentery
    Fold of peritoneum anchoring intestines.
    Cheeks
    Lateral walls of the oral cavity composed of muscle and fat.
    Ligamentum Venosum
    Remnant of ductus venosus in liver.
    Oropharynx
    Middle region of the pharynx behind the oral cavity.
    Pancreas
    Gland with both endocrine and exocrine functions.
    Stomach
    Muscular sac that begins digestion of protein.
    Oral Cavity
    Entry point of the digestive system; includes teeth, tongue, and salivary openings.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Caudate Lobe
    Lobe of liver near inferior vena cava.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Body of Pancreas
    Central elongated portion of pancreas.
    Upper Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle ring that controls entry into the esophagus.
    Sigmoid Colon
    S-shaped final segment of the colon.

    Main Pancreatic Duct

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Primary duct draining pancreatic juices.

    Overview

    The Main Pancreatic Duct, also known as the Duct of Wirsung, is the primary excretory duct of the pancreas. It collects digestive enzymes produced by the pancreatic acinar cells and delivers them to the duodenum, where they participate in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It plays a critical role in the exocrine function of the pancreas and is a key anatomical structure in both digestive physiology and pancreatic diseases.

    Location

    The main pancreatic duct is located within the substance of the pancreas, extending from its tail to its head. Specifically, it:

    • Begins in the tail of the pancreas (in the left upper abdomen, near the spleen)

    • Travels through the body and head of the pancreas

    • Joins the common bile duct in the head of the pancreas

    • Empties into the second part of the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla via the hepatopancreatic ampulla (ampulla of Vater)

    Structure

    The main pancreatic duct is a slender, tubular structure with the following features:

    • Length: Approximately 15–20 cm

    • Diameter: Around 2–3 mm in adults (may vary slightly)

    • Wall: Lined by low cuboidal or columnar epithelium

    • Tributaries: Receives smaller interlobular and intralobular ducts that drain acinar secretions throughout the pancreas

    • Secondary drainage: May be joined by the accessory pancreatic duct (duct of Santorini), which may independently enter the duodenum at the minor papilla

    Function

    The primary function of the main pancreatic duct is to:

    • Transport pancreatic juice: Carries enzyme-rich exocrine secretions from the pancreas to the duodenum

    • Coordinate secretion with digestion: Works in tandem with the bile duct to deliver digestive fluids into the duodenum when food enters from the stomach

    Physiological Role(s)

    The main pancreatic duct plays several key physiological roles in digestion:

    • Enzyme delivery: Delivers pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase, proteases) that aid in the breakdown of starches, fats, and proteins

    • pH regulation: Transports bicarbonate ions secreted by pancreatic duct cells to neutralize acidic gastric chyme entering the duodenum

    • Regulated flow: Controlled by the sphincter of Oddi, which coordinates the release of pancreatic and bile secretions during digestion

    Clinical Significance

    Disorders of the main pancreatic duct are associated with several important clinical conditions:

    • Pancreatitis: Obstruction (e.g., gallstones or strictures) of the main pancreatic duct can cause backpressure and lead to acute or chronic pancreatitis

    • Pancreatic ductal dilation: May indicate underlying pathology such as pancreatic tumors, strictures, or intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)

    • Main Duct IPMN: A pre-cancerous mucinous tumor that involves the main duct and increases the risk of invasive pancreatic cancer

    • Pancreatic divisum: A congenital anomaly in which the dorsal and ventral ducts fail to fuse, resulting in inadequate drainage through the main duct

    • ERCP and imaging: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) are used to visualize the duct and diagnose obstructions, leaks, or tumors

    • Surgical importance: The duct’s integrity is vital during procedures like pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) and pancreatic resections

    Dysfunction or blockage of the main pancreatic duct can lead to serious digestive and metabolic complications. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to preserve pancreatic function and prevent irreversible damage.

    Did you know? Your body produces digestive enzymes in the pancreas, stomach, and small intestine to break down food for absorption.