Pancreas Quiz

small, curved tip of the pancreatic head that lies posterior to the superior mesenteric vein

uncinate process

forms the lateral border of the head of the pancreas

c-loop of the duodenum

hormone that causes glycogen formation from glucose in the liver that allows circulating glucose to enter tissue cells

insulin

lies in the midepigastrium anterior to the superior mesenteric artery and vein, aorta, and inferior vena cava

body of the pancreas

cells that perform exocrine function

acini cells

branch of te splenic artery that supplies the body of the pancreas

dorsal pancreatic artery

pancreatic enzyome that breaks down fats; enzyme is elevated in pancreatitis and remains increased longer than amylase

lipase

hormone that stimulates the liver to convert glycogen to glucose, produced by alpha cells

glucagon

lies in the c-loop of the duodenum; the gastroduodenal artery is the anterolateral border of the common bile duct is the posterolateral border

head of the pancreas

branch of the splenic artery that supplies the tail of the pancreas

caudal pancreatic artery

enlargement of the gallbladder caused by a slow, progressive obstruction of the distal common bile duct from an external mass such as adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head

courvoisier’s law/sign

a malignant neoplasm that rises from the lymphoid tissues

lymphoma

“sterile abscess” collection of pancreatic enzymes that accumulate in the available space in the abdomen (usually in or near the pancreas)

pancreatic pseudocyst

function of the pancreas in production and digestion of pancreatic juice; primary function of the pancreas

exocrine

function of the pancreas is production of the hormone insulin

endocrine

inherited disorder of the exocrine glands; symptoms include mucous buildup within the lungs and other areas of the body; identified as fatty replacement of the glands

cystic fibrosis

small accessory duct of the pancreas found in the head of the pancreas

duct of santorini

excessive bilirubin in the bloodstream caused by an obstruction of bile from the liver; characterized by a yellow discoloration of the sclera of the eye, skin, and mucous membranes

obstructive jaundice

small area of the pancreas between the head and the body; anterior to the superior mesenteric vein

neck of the pancreas

artery arising from the celiac trunk to supply the liver; forms the right superior border of the body and head of the pancreas and gives rise to the gastroduodenal artery

common hepatic artery

junction of the splenic and main portal vein; posterior border of the body of the pancreas

portal-splenic confluence

tapered end of the pancreas that lies in the left hypochondrium near the hilus of the spleen and upper pole of the left kidney

tail of the pancreas

portion of the pancreas that has an endocrine function and produces insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin

islets of langerhans

dilated loops of bowel without peristalsis; associated with various abdominal problems, including pancreatitis, sicke cells crisis and bowel obstruction

ileus

largest duct of the pancreas that drains the tail, body, and head of the gland; it joins the common bile duct to enter the duodenum through the ampulla of water

duct of wirsung

enzyme secreted by the pancreas to air in the digestion of carbohydrates

amylase

pancreatic enzyme that is elevated during pancreatitis

serum amylase

fluid accumulation caused by a ruptire of pancreatic pseudocyst in the abdomen; free-floating pancreatic enzymes are very dangerous to surrounding structures

pancreatic ascites

serves as the posterior border of the body of the pancreas

superior mesenteric artery

congenital condition in which elevated fat levels cause pancreatitis

hyperlipidemia

lies posterior to the neck/body of the pancreas and anterior to the uncinate process of the gland

superior mesenteric vein

small curved tip of the pancreatic head that lies posterior to the superior mesenteric vein

uncinate process

help supply blood to the pancreas along with the splenic artery

pancreaticoduodenal arteries

elevated levels of calcium in the blood

hypercalcemia