The accessory pancreatic duct (duct of Santorini) drains part of the head of the pancreas and opens into the duodenum at the minor duodenal papilla. It is the remnant of the main duct of the embryonic dorsal pancreatic bud. In most people it connects with the main pancreatic duct, so pancreatic juice can drain by either route.
| Location | Upper anterior part of the pancreatic head, running to the minor duodenal papilla in the descending duodenum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, secretomotor); Greater and lesser splanchnic nerves via the coeliac and superior mesenteric plexuses (sympathetic and pain) |
| Blood Supply | Anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Provides an alternative drainage route for pancreatic juice from the head of the pancreas.
When the dorsal and ventral ducts fail to fuse (pancreas divisum), most of the gland drains through the accessory duct and minor papilla, which may contribute to recurrent pancreatitis. A cystic dilatation of its end (santorinicele) can obstruct flow. Endoscopists may cannulate it through the minor papilla when the main duct cannot be reached.
Non-fusion of the pancreatic ducts so that most juice drains via the accessory duct and minor papilla; usually harmless but linked to recurrent pancreatitis in some.
Cystic dilatation of the terminal accessory duct near the minor papilla, sometimes causing pancreatitis.
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