Anatomy and Physiology

What is the pancreas?

Non-encapsulated organ located in anterior pararenal space

What is the normal size of the pancreas?

1. Length: 12-18 cm

2. Width: 1 - 1.5 cm

3. Height: 2.5 cm

Identify this image.

1. Uncinate process

2. Pancreatic head

3. Pancreatic neck

4. Pancreatic body

5. Pancreatic tail

Identify this image.

Normal variant of uncinate process in which it contains less fat than remainder of pancreas

What is the main pancreatic duct or Duct of Wirsung?

Duct that extends through entire pancreas and connects to CBD to form Ampulla of Vater

What is the normal measurement for the main pancreatic duct or Duct of Wirsung?

< 2 mm diameter

What is the accessory pancreatic duct or Duct of Santorini?

Accessory duct that drains pancreatic head

What is glycogenesis?

Formation of glycogen from glucose that is controlled by insulin

What is glycogenolysis?

Conversion of glycogen back into glucose that is controlled by glucagon

What are Islets of Langerhans?

Pancreatic cells that release insulin in order to lower blood sugar

What is the normal range for blood sugar?

80 - 90 mg / 100 dL

What are the EXORCINE functions of the pancreas?

When Acini glands secrete pancreatic juice that includes

• Trypsin: Breaks down protein into amino acids

• Amylase: Digests carbohydrates

• Lipase: Digests fat

• Sodium bicarbonate

What is cholecystokinin?

Digestive hormone found in GI tract that stimulate pancreatic juice production

What is secretin?

Peptide hormone found in GI tract that stimulate pancreatic juice production

What are the ENDOCRINE functions of the pancreas?

When Islets of Langerhans produce insulin and glucagon that includes

• Alpha cells: Produce glucagon

• Beta cells: Produce insulin

• Delta cells: Produce somatostatin

Identify this image.

1. CBD

2. GDA

3. Portal confluence

4. SMA

5. Aorta

What is the normal sonographic appearance of the pancreas in children?

HYPOechoic or isoechoic to liver

What is the normal sonographic appearance of the pancreas in adults?

HYPERechoic or isoechoic to liver

(T/F). Pancreatic echogenicity increases with age.

True