Anatomy of the Pancreas and Suprarenal Glands

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the anatomy and embryology of the pancreas and suprarenal glands, providing a structured way to review essential information for the exam.

What is the anatomical position of the pancreas?

The pancreas is a retroperitoneal gland lying across the posterior abdominal wall, except for the tail which extends to the spleen.

What are the four main parts of the pancreas?

Head, Neck, Body, and Tail.

What significant relation is found behind the head of the pancreas?

The bile duct runs behind the head of the pancreas.

What condition leads to enlargement of the gall bladder and jaundice in relation to the pancreas?

Obstruction due to pancreatic cancer.

What artery comes anterior to the uncinate process of the pancreas?

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA).

What is Nutcracker Syndrome?

It is the compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and the SMA, leading to reduced blood flow, hematuria, and flank pain.

What veins are involved in forming the portal vein?

The splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein.

What embryonic origins contribute to the pancreas?

The pancreas forms from both ventral and dorsal buds.

What is the function of the islets of Langerhans?

They produce hormones like insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin to regulate blood sugar.

What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex?

Zona glomerulosa, Zona fasciculata, and Zona reticularis.

What hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla?

Catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine.

What is the embryonic origin of the adrenal cortex?

It is mesodermal in origin.

What is the main arterial blood supply for the adrenal glands?

The superior suprarenal artery (from the inferior phrenic artery), middle suprarenal artery (from the aorta), and inferior suprarenal artery (from the renal artery).

Which vein drains the right adrenal gland?

The right adrenal vein drains into the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Where does the left adrenal vein drain?

It drains into the left renal vein.

What is the relative weight of the adult adrenal gland?

The adult adrenal gland weighs approximately 4-6 grams.

How does the adrenal medulla respond to sympathetic nervous system activation?

It releases catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine into the circulation.

What role do preganglionic sympathetic neurons have in the adrenal gland?

They innervate the adrenal medulla and stimulate the release of catecholamines.

What structure is located anterior to the body of the pancreas?

The transverse mesocolon.

What is the importance of the duct systems in the pancreas?

They allow the passage of digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas into the duodenum.

How much of the pancreatic cells are endocrine cells in adults?

Endocrine cells represent about 1-2% of the pancreatic cells in adults.

What surgical implications can arise from the anatomy of the pancreas and adrenal glands?

Knowledge of the surrounding structures and blood supply is crucial for surgical procedures involving the pancreas and adrenal glands.