Tail of pancreas
Cauda pancreatis
DigestiveOrgansAbdomen
- What it is
- Narrow left end running in the splenorenal ligament to the hilum of the spleen; it has the highest density of islets.
- 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 2 cm high, tapering to a blunt tip.
- Clinical note
- Its closeness to the splenic hilum means it can be injured during splenectomy, causing a pancreatic fistula.