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    From Digestive System

    Lower Esophageal Sphincter
    Muscle at the junction of esophagus and stomach.
    Hepatic Flexure
    Bend between ascending and transverse colon.
    Hard Palate
    Bony anterior portion of the roof of the mouth.
    Cardia
    Upper opening of the stomach.
    Cecum
    First part of large intestine.
    Internal Anal Sphincter
    Involuntary muscle around anal canal.
    Nasopharynx
    Superior region of pharynx behind the nasal cavity.
    Duodenal Bulb
    Initial section of duodenum closest to the stomach.
    Jejunum
    Second portion of the small intestine.
    Body
    Main central region of the stomach.
    External Anal Sphincter
    Voluntary muscle around anus.
    Anus
    Opening through which feces are expelled.
    Minor Duodenal Papilla
    Opening for accessory pancreatic duct.
    Uvula
    Dangling soft tissue at the back of the soft palate.
    Abdomen
    The abdomen is the body region between the chest and pelvis housing vital digestive, metabolic, and excretory organs, protected by muscular and peritoneal layers.
    Esophagus
    Muscular tube conveying food from the pharynx to the stomach.
    Lingual Frenulum
    Fold of mucous membrane anchoring the tongue to the floor of the mouth.
    Duodenum
    First portion of the small intestine.
    Descending Colon
    Vertical segment of the colon on the left side.
    Soft Palate
    Muscular posterior part of the roof of the mouth.
    Ileum
    Final and longest portion of the small intestine.
    Palatine Tonsils
    Lymphatic tissues on either side of the oropharynx.
    Major Duodenal Papilla
    Opening for bile and pancreatic ducts into duodenum.
    Tongue
    Muscular organ aiding in taste, speech, and food manipulation.
    Liver
    Largest gland in the body with roles in metabolism and bile production.

    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? The pyloric sphincter controls the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine.