ABSTRACT
The pancreas is located in the subdiaphragmatic retroperitoneal space at the level of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The pancreatic head is located to the right of superior mesenteric vein and medial to the second portion of the duodenum, which can be identified as a fluid-or air-containing structure. The pancreatic body is anterior to the aorta, separated from the latter by retropancreatic and periaortic fat. The superior mesenteric artery and vein pass anterior to the uncinate process and/or posterior to the pancreatic neck and body. The tail of the pancreas extends to near the splenic hilum. The common bile duct runs anterior to the portal vein and enters the inferior aspect of the pancreatic head, then runs inferiorly to join the pancreatic duct close to ampulla.
