Head of pancreas
Caput pancreatis
DigestiveOrgansAbdomen
- What it is
- Widest part of the pancreas, nestled in the C-loop of the duodenum; its hook-like uncinate process tucks behind the superior mesenteric vessels. The common bile duct runs through its back.
- Function
- Its acinar cells secrete about 1.5 L a day of enzyme-rich alkaline juice into the duodenum; scattered islets of Langerhans release insulin and glucagon into the blood.
- Size
- About 5 cm high and up to 3 cm thick; the whole pancreas is 12-15 cm long and weighs 70-100 g.
- Clinical note
- About two-thirds of pancreatic cancers arise in the head, where they often first show as painless jaundice by squeezing the common bile duct.