ABSTRACT
The pancreas is a tapered organ from 12 to 15 cm in length. It lies in the upper abdomen, posteriorly to the stomach and duodenum. The gland is divided into four parts. These are the head, neck, body, and tail. The pancreas is widest at the head, which lies within the curve of the duodenum. The body of the pancreas tapers upward to terminate at the tail, located in relationship to the spleen. The uncinate process projects to the left from its lowest portion. The pancreas derives its blood supply from the superior pancreaticoduodenal artery (arising from the gastroduodenal artery) and from the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (arising from the inferior mesenteric artery). There is also a contribution from the splenic artery. Venous drainage passes to the portal venous system.
