Pancreas Ultrasound and Anatomy, Pancreas Pathology Pics

Which part of the pancreas lies within the C-loop of the duodenum?

The head of the pancreas lies within the C-loop of the duodenum.

What sonographic appearance is most consistent with acute pancreatitis?

An enlarged hypoechoic pancreas is most consistent with acute pancreatitis.

Which condition is commonly associated with pancreatic calcifications?

Chronic pancreatitis is commonly associated with pancreatic calcifications.

A pancreatic pseudocyst typically appears how on ultrasound?

A pancreatic pseudocyst typically appears as an anechoic lesion with posterior enhancement on ultrasound.

The 'double duct sign' suggests obstruction of which two structures?

The 'double duct sign' suggests obstruction of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma most commonly occurs in which region?

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma most commonly occurs in the head of the pancreas.

Which structure carries pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum?

The pancreatic duct carries pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum.

The pancreas is considered which type of gland?

The pancreas is considered both an endocrine and exocrine gland.

Which hormone is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas?

Insulin is produced by the beta cells of the pancreas.

Which pancreatic hormone raises blood glucose levels?

Glucagon raises blood glucose levels.

Where is the pancreas located?

In the epigastric region, lying horizontally anterior to the aorta.

What are the five parts of the pancreas?

Head, uncinate process, neck, body, tail.

What is the uncinate process?

A medial and posterior extension of the head, lying between the superior mesenteric vein and IVC.

What is the pancreatic duct also known as?

Duct of Wirsung.

What does the pancreatic duct join with?

The common bile duct (CBD) before entering the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater.

What is the accessory pancreatic duct called?

Duct of Santorini.

What is the primary function of the pancreas?

It functions as both an exocrine and endocrine gland.

What percentage of the pancreas is exocrine?

About 80%. (Digestive)

What are the main enzymes secreted by the exocrine pancreas?

Amylase, lipase, trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, and nucleases.

What stimulates the secretion of pancreatic enzymes?

Chyme (partially digested food) in the duodenum.

What is the function of the sphincter of Oddi?

It relaxes to allow pancreatic juices to flow into the duodenum.

What are the cell types found in the Islets of Langerhans?

Alpha cells, beta cells, delta cells, gamma cells, and epsilon cells.

What hormone do beta cells produce?

Insulin.

What is the role of insulin?

It converts glucose to glycogen and promotes cellular uptake of glycogen, reducing blood glucose levels.

What hormone do alpha cells produce?

Glucagon.

What is the function of glucagon?

It promotes the release of glucose into the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar levels.

What hormone do delta cells produce?

Somatostatin.

What is the role of somatostatin?

It inhibits the secretion of insulin and glucagon.

How does the echotexture of the pancreas vary?

It can be homogeneous or heterogeneous depending on the amount of interlobular fat.

How does the pancreas appear sonographically compared to the liver?

Generally, the pancreas is hyperechoic to the liver.

What are the two anechoic landmarks for the pancreatic head?

GDA (anterior-medial surface) and CBD (posterior aspect).

What is the anatomical position of the head of the pancreas?

It lies inferior and to the right of the body and tail, in the curve of the second portion of the duodenum.

What structure lies posterior to the neck of the pancreas?

The portal splenic confluence.

Where does the tail of the pancreas extend?

Into the left anterior pararenal space, anterior to the left kidney, ending at the splenic hilum.

Endocrine gland

A gland that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Exocrine gland

A gland that secretes its products into ducts that lead to the outside of the body or into the digestive system.

Exocrine function of the pancreas

The production and secretion of digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.

Acinar cells

Cells in the pancreas that produce digestive enzymes.

Duct of Wirsung

The main pancreatic duct that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the duodenum.

Ampulla of Vater

The site where the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct join and empty into the duodenum.

Duct of Santorini

An accessory pancreatic duct that may enter the duodenum separately from the main duct.

Endocrine function of the pancreas

The secretion of hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, by the islet cells of the pancreas.

What percentage of the pacreas is endocrine?

2% (Hormonal)

What Percentage of the pancreas is Fibrous stroma (blood vessels, nerves, lymphatic)?

18%

What increases in Acute pancreatitis?

Twice the normal amount of amylase levels.

Does Chronic pancreatitis effect Amylase levels?

No, the amylase levels stay the same.

Acute pancreatitis and CA of the pancreas do what to the lipase enzyme?

Increase lipase leves.

Severe diabetes, chronic liver diseases, and overactive endocrine glands all do what to blood glucose levels?

Increase blood glucose levels.

What happens to the gluclose levels if there is a Tumor of islet of langerhans?

Decrese blood glucose levels

What position should the patient be in when scanning the pancreas?

Supine, decubitus, or upright.

acute pancreatitis

chronic pancreatitis

Pancreas pseudocyst

pancreatic ascites

Phlegmonous Pancreatitis

pancreatic abscess

cystic fibrosis

insulinoma

gastrinoma

-Difficult to see with ultrasound

-Multiple lesions in pancreas or in duodenum

adenocarcinoma

head