haimakanava

Haimakanava, commonly known as the pancreatic duct, is the ductal system that collects exocrine secretions produced by the pancreas and transports them to the duodenum. The system comprises the main pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung) and, in many individuals, an accessory pancreatic duct (duct of Santorini). The main duct typically runs the length of the pancreas and usually drains into the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla together with the common bile duct.

Anatomically, the main pancreatic duct begins in the tail and traverses the pancreas toward the head, ultimately opening into the duodenum at the major papilla via the hepatopancreatic ampulla. The accessory duct drains the upper part of the head and empties through the minor duodenal papilla, when present. The flow through these ducts is regulated by the sphincter of Oddi, coordinating the release of pancreatic juice with intestinal phases of digestion.

Functionally, the haimakanava transports pancreatic juice rich in bicarbonate and digestive enzymes from acinar cells into the small intestine. Secretin primarily stimulates bicarbonate-rich secretions, while cholecystokinin (CCK) stimulates enzyme-rich secretions, enabling efficient digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Variants and development are notable in clinical anatomy. The ducts arise from the dorsal and ventral pancreatic buds during embryogenesis. Pancreatic divisum is a common variant where ductal systems fail to fuse, often leading to drainage mainly through the minor papilla and potentially contributing to pancreatitis.

Clinical significance includes conditions that cause ductal obstruction or dilation, such as stones, strictures, tumors, or chronic pancreatitis. Diagnosis commonly relies on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the latter offering therapeutic options such as stenting or stone extraction. Surgical drainage procedures may be employed in chronic cases.