Pancreaticoduodenalalueen

Pancreaticoduodenalalueen, or the pancreaticoduodenal region, refers to the anatomical area where the head of the pancreas lies in close relation to the duodenum. This region encompasses the head of the pancreas, the adjacent segments of the duodenum (especially the second part), and the surrounding vascular, lymphatic, and neural structures that cross or reside in the area. It is characterized by a close anatomical interface between pancreatic tissue and the duodenal concavity, including the groove that separates the two organs.

The vascular supply of the pancreaticoduodenal region is organized around pancreaticoduodenal arteries and their accompanying veins. The superior pancreaticoduodenal arteries arise from the gastroduodenal artery, and the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries arise from the superior mesenteric artery. These vessels create arterial arcades that perfuse the head of the pancreas and the duodenum. Venous drainage mirrors this pattern, with corresponding veins draining into the portal venous system via the superior mesenteric or splenic veins. Lymphatic drainage follows the regional pancreaticoduodenal nodes, which connect to the celiac and superior mesenteric lymphatic basins.

Innervation involves contributions from the celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses, with parasympathetic input mainly from the vagus nerve and sympathetic input from thoracic splanchnic nerves. Clinically, the region is important in conditions such as pancreatic head tumors, pancreatitis involving the head, and congenital anomalies like annular pancreas. Surgical procedures in this area, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, reflect its central role in digestion and upper abdominal physiology. Radiologic and endoscopic imaging of this area assesses the pancreas, duodenum, and the major papilla within the second part of the duodenum.