Grossly - submucosal nodule with central umbilication
Histologically - range from rudimentary structure to fully formed gland
The embryologic ventral pancreas forms which area of the fully developed gland?
The uncinate process
Describe the embryologic formation of the pancreas.
Formed by two outpouchings of the primitive gut: the dorsal pancreas (originates from duodenum) & the ventral pancreas (originates from hepatic diverticulum, which originates from duodenum)
The ventral pancreas rotates along with the primitive gut and fuses with the dorsal compartment.
The ventral pancreas forms the uncinate process & the inferior portion of the head
The dorsal pancreas forms the remainder
The uncinate process of the pancreas is adjacent and dorsal to what structures?
Superior mesenteric artery & portal vein
What is the recommended treatment of duodenal obstruction caused by an annular pancreas?
Duodenoduodenostomy
What is pancreas divisum and how is it diagnosed?
How common is this condition?
Failed/incomplete fusion of the embryologic ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts → most of the pancreatic duct drainage is via dorsal duct joining the duodenum at the minor papilla
Diagnosed by ERCP
Present in some form in 10% of population (usually asymptomatic)
