The pancreatic duct, or duct of Wirsung, is a duct joining the pancreas to the common bile duct to supply pancreatic juices which aid in digestion provided by the "exocrine pancreas". The pancreatic duct joins the common bile duct just prior to the ampulla of Vater, after which both ducts perforate the medial side of the second portion of the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla.
The duct of Wirsung is named after its discoverer, German anatomist Johann Georg Wirsung (1589-1643).[1]
Most people have just one pancreatic duct. However, some have an additional accessory pancreatic duct, called the Duct of Santorini.
Compression, obstruction or inflammation of the pancreatic duct may lead to acute pancreatitis. The most common cause for obstruction is choledocholithiasis, or gallstones in the common bile duct.
Pancreatic ductal carcinoma is a common form of pancreatic cancer.
Accessory digestive system.
Interior of the descending portion of the duodenum, showing bile papilla.
Pancreas of a human embryo of five weeks.
Pancreas of a human embryo at end of sixth week.
by function: Islets of Langerhans • Exocrine pancreas
