The Pancreas

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At which anatomical level is the pancreas found?
The pancreas is located at the level of L1, corresponding to the transpyloric plane.

Describe the anterior, posterior, superior, and lateral relations of the pancreas.
Posterior: Inferior vena cava (IVC), Portal vein, Aorta
Anterior: Stomach
Superior: Splenic artery
Lateral: Hilum of the spleen

Describe the arterial supply and venous drainage of the pancreas.

Arterial supply:
Splenic artery
Pancreaticoduodenal artery
Venous drainage:
Splenic vein
Pancreaticoduodenal vein

Which cells lie between the alveoli and secrete insulin?
The beta cells of the islets of Langerhans secrete insulin.

Where does the accessory duct of Santorini run from and to?
The accessory duct of Santorini runs from the lower part of the head of the pancreas and opens into the duodenum above the head.

At which point does the main duct of the pancreas open into the duodenum?
The main duct of the pancreas opens into the ampulla of Vater.

How does the pancreas develop?
The pancreas develops from a dorsal diverticulum of the duodenum and a smaller ventral outpouching from the side of the common bile duct. The ventral outpouching swings posteriorly to fuse with the lower aspect of the dorsal diverticulum. The main pancreatic duct is formed by the smaller ventral duct, while the dorsal diverticulum forms the accessory duct.